Pulse jet air cleaner systems; components; and, methods

ABSTRACT

Pulse jet air cleaner systems components and methods are described. The features relate to air cleaner housings that include a cartridge receiving section. Features described relate to a possible two-stage construction, a pulse jet accumulator section, pulse jet equipment for cleaning a filter cartridge positioned within the air cleaner; evacuation valve arrangements for projection of dust from the air cleaners; and other example features. Methods of assembly and use are also provided.

This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 12/308,601, filedSep. 27, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,404,021. U.S. Ser. No. 12/308,601 isa National Stage of PCT/US2007/014187, filed Jun. 18, 2007.PCT/US2007/014187 claimed priority to U.S. Ser. No. 60/814,744, filedJun. 19, 2006; U.S. Ser. No. 60/848,320, filed Sep. 29, 2006, and U.S.Ser. No. 60/921,173, filed Mar. 30, 2007. A claim of priority to each ofU.S. Ser. No. 12/308,601; PCT/US2007/014187; U.S. Ser. No. 60/814,744;U.S. Ser. No. 60/848,320; and, U.S. Ser. No. 60/921,173 is made to theextent appropriate. The disclosures of U.S. Ser. No. 12/308,601;PCT/US2007/014187; U.S. Ser. No. 60/814,744; U.S. Ser. No. 60/848,320;and, U.S. Ser. No. 60/921,173 are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to air cleaner arrangements. Itparticularly concerns serviceable air cleaners, with at least oneremovable and replaceable filter cartridge, for example useable onvehicles and other equipment. The air cleaner features characterizedrelate to utilization with pulse jet cleaning arrangements.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to air cleaner arrangements, used forexample on vehicles and other equipment. It particularly concerns aircleaners with pulse jet systems, allowing for selected pulse jetcleaning of serviceable filter cartridges therein. This allows for anextended service life of filter cartridge and operating life for thevehicle or other equipment before servicing is needed.

A variety of systems for pulse jet air cleaning are known. Examplesdescribed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,401,285; 5,575,826; 5,683,479, are pulsejet air cleaning systems for vehicles such as the M1 tank. Othersdescribed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,676,721; 6,872,237; 6,908,494, are pulsejet air cleaner of a media pack useable in heavy duty equipment such asmining equipment or ore haulers. Each of U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,401,285;5,575,826; 5,683,479 and 6,676,721; 6,872,237; 6,908,494, isincorporated herein by reference. Further examples of such arrangementsare described in U.S. Provisional Application 60/666,781, filed Mar. 31,2005, U.S. Provisional Application 60/678,092, filed May 5, 2005 and PCTApplication U.S. Ser. No. 06/12071 filed Mar. 30, 2006, each of thesethree references being incorporated herein by reference.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to pulse jet air cleaner assemblies andfeatures thereof. Numerous features and variations of features are shownand described. There is no specific requirement that a pulse jet aircleaner assembly include all of the features characterized herein, toobtain some advantage.

In one general aspect, the disclosure concerns provision of a pulse jetair cleaner assembly which includes a housing having an outer walldefining an interior filter cartridge receiving section and a separatecompressed gas (typically air) accumulator tank section. The filtercartridge receiving section, in selected examples, is configured toreceive at least one serviceable filter cartridge typically having mediasurrounding an open interior; and, the air cleaner assembly includes apulse jet cleaning arrangement constructed and arranged to direct apulse of compressed gas (typically air) from the accumulator tankthrough the filter cartridge, in an in-to-out flow pattern, at selectedtimes. An advantageous evacuation (or vac) valve arrangement forselective evacuation of dust and other matter from the evacuationarrangement, is described.

It will be understood that the arrangements described herein typicallyrelate to what are sometimes termed “two stage” air cleaners. One of thestages (typically referred to as the second stage), is represented bythe at least one removable and replaceable (i.e., serviceable) filtercartridge. That is, the filter cartridge is one of the stages of dustseparation. Another stage (sometimes referred to as the first stage orprecleaner stage), is provided by the nature of the flow inlet, and thepresence of the evacuation valve arrangement. In particular, the airflow inlet is typically accompanied by an arrangement configured todirect air flow into a cylindrical, helical, or cyclonic pattern, in anair flow annulus around the filter cartridge. This will lead to somedust separation (precleaning or pre-separation); the separated dustbeing directed into the evacuation valve.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of operating anair cleaner assembly is provided. The method generally involvesutilizing one or more of the arrangements described, charging thecompressed gas accumulator tank with compressed gas; actuating pulse jetcontrol valve arrangement to direct a pulse of compressed gas from thegas accumulator tank through a pulse distribution arrangement into acentral interior of a serviceable service cartridge; waiting a selectedperiod of time and after the selected period of time again actuating thepulse jet control valve arrangement. Between the pulses, the compressedgas accumulator tank is typically recharged.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an air cleanerassembly is provided which includes an air flow inlet, an air flowoutlet and an interior including a filter cartridge receiving section.The housing can also include a gas accumulator tank section therein. Thehousing is openable for service access to an internally receivedserviceable filter cartridge, which cartridge is generally removablefrom the air cleaner housing and comprises filter media surrounding anopen, central, interior. The media can be pleated. The pulse jetdistribution arrangement is configured to direct a pulse of compressedgas into the open, central, interior of the filter cartridge. Further,an evacuation valve arrangement is mounted to receive ejected dust fromthe filter cartridge.

In this example an arrangement, the evacuation valve arrangementincludes a rigid frame arrangement with a flexible valve memberarrangement. The rigid frame arrangement defines a dust exit aperturearrangement extending therethrough. The flexible valve memberarrangement comprises at least one flexible valve member positioned overan associated portion of the dust exit aperture arrangement. Theflexible valve member is preferably one that does not include a movablemount or connector, and includes no biasing spring thereon. The flexiblevalve member is mounted such that when a pulse of compressed air isdirected into the cartridge, the flexible valve member flexes to an openposition to allow dust ejection; and, when the air cleaner assembly isoperated without pulse distribution, the flexible valve member biases toa closed arrangement.

Two example arrangements are described: one in which the flexible valvemember is circular and mounted over apertures that also act as dustejector ports from the air cleaner interior; and, a second, in which thevalve members are rectangular, triangular or both, and are mounted overaperture arrangements in a frame piece that itself is mounted over adust ejector port in the housing.

The assembly can be configured for either vertical center line operationor horizontal center line operation.

In another aspect, the air cleaner assembly can be generally asdescribed, with the evacuation valve arrangement defined as including arigid frame arrangement in a valve member arrangement, the rigid framemember defining a dust exit aperture arrangement therethrough with anopen area of at least 4 sq. inch, the valve member comprising a flatvalve member with no openable dust exit aperture therethrough. Inanother aspect, the air cleaner assembly is provided with a housing, aserviceable filter cartridge, a pulse jet distribution arrangement andan evacuation valve arrangement; the pulse jet distribution arrangementincluding a conical distributor member thereon.

Variations in air cleaner assemblies or arrangements are described andshown. Also methods of operation and assembly are described.Advantageous components and subcomponents are characterized.

Again, there is no specific requirement that an air cleaner arrangementor selected components therefor, include all of the features describedherein, to obtain advantage in accord with the present disclosure.Indeed, a variety of techniques are described.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic side elevational view of an air cleaner assemblyincluding selected features according to the present disclosure; in FIG.1 portions being broken away to show internal detail.

FIG. 2 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the air cleanerassembly depicted in FIG. 1, with a pulse jet control valve arrangementnot shown in cross-section.

FIG. 3 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of an alternate aircleaner assembly to the one depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a second alternateair cleaner assembly to the ones depicted in FIGS. 1-3.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged schematic view of a component of the air cleanerof FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a schematic end elevational view of the component depicted inFIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of selected componentry ofthe assembly depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2; in FIG. 7, a pulse jet controlvalve arrangement not being shown in cross-section.

FIG. 8 is a schematic top plan view of a selected portion of thecomponentry depicted in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a schematic end cross-sectional view of a first inlet featurevariation useable in the assemblies of FIGS. 1-4; in FIG. 9, the featurebeing shown in an inlet air flow blocking position or orientation.

FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view depicting the inlet featurevariation of FIG. 9 shown in an inlet air flow passage position ororientation.

FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view depicting an alternate inletfeature variation to the feature depicted in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11A is a schematic sectional view depicting a further inlet featurevariation to the inlet feature variations depicted in FIGS. 9-11.

FIG. 12 is a schematic, fragmentary, cross-sectional view of a furtheralternate inlet feature variation to those depicted in FIGS. 9-11A.

FIG. 13 is an enlarged schematic fragmentary view of a portion of FIG.1.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged fragmentary first end view of the portion of FIG.1 depicted in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is an enlarged schematic second end view of the componentdepicted in FIG. 13.

FIG. 16 is a schematic side elevational view of a subcomponent of thecomponentry depicted in FIG. 13.

FIG. 17 is a schematic elevational view of a second subcomponent of thecomponentry depicted in FIG. 13.

FIG. 18 is an enlarged, schematic, fragmentary cross-sectional viewdepicting an alternate to selected features depicted in FIGS. 1-4.

FIG. 19 is a schematic outlet end perspective view of the air cleanerdepicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 20 is a flow chart diagram of a logic system and steps foroperating air cleaners discussed with respect to the previous figures.

FIG. 21 is a schematic side elevational view with partialcross-sectioning, depicting an air cleaner including features accordingto the present disclosure, oriented in a vertical orientation.

FIG. 22 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an air cleaner variationfrom the air cleaner of FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is a schematic side elevational view of a component depicted inthe air cleaners of FIGS. 21 and 22.

FIG. 24 is a schematic end elevational view of an air cleaner assemblygenerally analogous to the ones described for FIGS. 1-4, with an accesscover removed.

FIG. 25 is a schematic fragmentary perspective view of a portion of theassembly depicted in FIG. 24.

FIG. 26 is a schematic side elevational view of an alternate air cleanerassembly to the ones depicted in FIGS. 1-25.

FIG. 27 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of the air cleaner assemblydepicted in FIG. 26.

FIG. 28 is a schematic, enlarged, view of a portion of FIG. 27.

FIG. 29 is a schematic, enlarged, perspective view of the portion of theassembly of FIG. 27 depicted in FIG. 28, but not shown in cross-section.

FIG. 30 is a schematic, outlet end, elevational view of the air cleanerassembly depicted in FIG. 26.

FIG. 31 is a schematic, enlarged, fragmentary, cross-sectional view of aportion of the assembly depicted in FIG. 21.

FIG. 32 is a schematic enlarged, exploded, view of the portion depictedin FIG. 31.

FIG. 33 is a plan view of a component depicted in FIG. 32.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION I. Selected General Features for Pulse Jet AirCleaners Having Serviceable Filter Cartridges Including Media PacksComprising Media Surrounding an Open Interior

A. Selected Example Air Cleaner Assemblies, FIGS. 1, 2 and 3.

The reference numeral 1, FIG. 1, depicts a schematic view of an aircleaner assembly including selected features according to the presentdisclosure. In FIG. 1, the air cleaner assembly 1 is depicted in sideelevational view, with selected portions depicted broken away. In FIG.2, the same air cleaner is generally depicted in cross-sectional view,with certain features not in cross-section.

Referring to FIG. 1, air cleaner assembly 1 generally comprises ahousing 3 and an interiorly received, removable, replaceable, (i.e.,serviceable) filter cartridge 4. The particular filter cartridge 4depicted, comprises a media pack 5 surrounding and defining an openinterior 6. The media pack 5 extends between first and second, opposite,end caps 10, 11 (see also FIG. 2).

The filter cartridge 4 is generally a serviceable component, i.e., itcan be removed from interior 3 a of housing 3, for servicing. Typicalservicing would involve one of: (a) replacing filter cartridge 4 with apreviously unused analogous filter cartridge; (b) removing servicecartridge 4 and replacing it with an analogous but previously usedcartridge 4, that has been refurbished; or (c) removing filter cartridge4, servicing (refurbishing) the filter cartridge 4, and replacing itwithin the air cleaner 3. With any of these three approaches oralternatives, the filter cartridge 4 removed from the air cleaner 3 willbe referred to as the “used” filter cartridge; and, the filter cartridgewhich is installed as part of servicing, will be referred to as the“new” filter cartridge 4. It is anticipated that in many servicingoperations, the cartridge 4 will be replaced with a new cartridge 4 thatis a previously unused cartridge 4.

Many of the techniques described herein, and features characterized, areparticularly adapted for utilization with cartridges 4 that areserviceable, and which comprise media 5 extending around (i.e.,surrounding) an open interior 6. Typically the media 5 will define acircular cross-section along both an interior edge 5 i and an outer orexterior edge 5 o although alternate cross-sectional shapes can beaccommodated. Although alternatives are possible, the media 5 willtypically be pleated media 5 p, with a pleat longitudinal direction orlength being in extension between end caps 10 and 11 (althoughalternatives are possible) and with outside pleat tips defining exterior5 o and inside pleat tips defining interior 5 i. A porous outer linercan be provided along exterior 5 o, and/or an inner liner can beprovided along interior 5 i, if desired. As an example, for each of aninner support and an outer support, typically expanded metal linerswould be used. Also, or as an alternative, various arrangements can bewound around interior 5 i and exterior 5 o, to provide appropriate pleatsupport to the media pack 5. As an example, adhesive beads can be usedto facilitate pleat spacing and pleat support. Beads comprising adhesiveimpregnated with fibrous material, can also be used for media support.Wire and/or plastic band arrangements can comprise media support, as cantubular plastic construction or cylindrical sheet metal arrangementshaving apertures therein.

The end caps 10, 11, may individually comprise a variety of arrangementsincluding for example: molded-in-place arrangements; metal or plasticend caps adhered to the media 5 with an adhesive or potting material;and/or composite arrangements comprising molded-in-place material andpreform material together. There is no specific requirement that the twoend caps 10, 11, comprise the same type of structure or material. Forthe particular example shown in FIG. 2, end cap 10 is a molded-in-placeend cap, and end cap 11 is a molded-in-place end cap. An alternateexample for end cap 11 is discussed below in connection with FIG. 18.

For the particular examples shown, end cap 10 is an “open” end cap,meaning it has an aperture 10 x therein, through which gases can flowthrough the end cap 10. For the examples shown, end cap 11 is “closed”end cap, meaning it is closed to passage of gases (air) therethrough.While alternatives are possible with selected features described herein,such a configuration is typical.

Referring to FIG. 2, general features and operation of air cleanerassembly 1 are as follows. The housing 3 is defined by an outer wall orwall arrangement 14 including a side wall 15 surrounding interior 3 a.Thus, the housing 3 is typically a self contained unit, that can bemoved and mounted as an assembly. The side wall 15 typically uses acircular, interior, cross-section shape.

The housing 3 generally includes an air flow inlet arrangement 16 and anairflow outlet arrangement 17. The airflow inlet arrangement 16 isconfigured to direct air to be filtered, into the air cleaner housing 3.The outlet arrangement 17, allows for flow of filtered air from thehousing 3, to be directed into downstream equipment, such as air beingdirected as combustion air to an internal combustion engine.

The inlet arrangement 16 is provided to allow flow of air to eventuallybe filtered being directed into interior 3 a, in particular into airflow annulus 18 between side wall 15 and cartridge 4 and surroundingcartridge 4. During normal filtering, the unfiltered air from annulus 18passes through the media pack 5, from outside in, with filteringoccurring. The filtered air in interior 6 then passes into interior 20of outlet tube 21. The filtered air eventually leaves outlet tube 21(i.e., air cleaner outlet arrangement 17) at outlet end 25, from whichit is directed into engine or other equipment for use.

The cartridge 4 is sealed within housing 3, in a manner inhibiting airflow from inlet 16 into annulus 18 from reaching interior 20 of outlettube 21, without filtering passage through the media 5. To accommodatethis: (a) the cartridge 4 is provided with a housing seal arrangement 30thereon; in this instance adjacent end 5 x of media 5; and, (b) thecartridge 4 is closed to passage of unfiltered air therein at media end5 y, by end cap 11 including closed central section 11 c.

For the particular cartridge 4 depicted, housing seal arrangement 30comprises an inwardly directed radial seal 31. When cartridge 4 isinstalled, inwardly directed housing radial seal 31 is pushed aroundhousing seal support 35, forming a seal between the cartridge 4 and thehousing 3 at this location. For the example shown, inwardly directedhousing radial seal 31 comprises an integral portion of end cap 10; endcap 10 being molded-in-place for example from a compressible foamedpolyurethane. Alternate seal arrangements and materials can be used,however.

At FIG. 2, housing radial seal 31 is depicted schematically, and isdrawn with lines depicting overlap with support 35. In an actualinstallation, the seal region 31 would be distorted (compressed) bysupport 35. In FIG. 2, the amount of overlap depicted between the sealmaterial of radial seal 31, and the support 35, indicates thecompression that would occur during normal installation with such an endcap.

Referring still to FIG. 2, housing 3 includes two separatedcompartments: cartridge receiving compartment or section 3 x; and,compressed gas (typically air) compartment, section or accumulator tank3 y; the sections 3 x, 3 y being defined within housing 3 as separateregions.

For the example shown, the compartments 3 x, 3 y are each surrounded byside wall 15, the compartments being separated by a wall structure 36.Compartment 3 y is discussed below, in connection with the describedpulse jet air cleaner system. From the description thus far, however, itcan be understood that for the example shown, the compressed airaccumulator compartment of section 3 y is an integral part of thehousing 3, and is not separate therefrom.

The housing outer wall 14 includes opposite ends 14 a, 14 b, definedadjacent side wall 15 at opposite ends 37 a, 37 b respectively. End 37 ais generally closed by outer end wall 14 a (typically comprising a wallportion 36 o having an outwardly projecting domed shape and forming anend of the compressed air accumulator section 3 y) with outlet tube 21passing therethrough. Outlet end 37 b is an open end, selectivelycloseable by end 14 b comprising an operable cover or access cover 38.The access cover 38 is secured in a closed condition by latcharrangement 39, an example latch 39 a being depicted. Typically two tofive latches 39 a are used, although the number can vary.

For servicing, latch arrangement 39 is opened, access cover 38 isremoved or otherwise pivoted away to allow service access into open end37 b, and cartridge 4 is removed from interior 3 a. This process willlead to disengagement of seal 31 from housing seal support 35.Installation of a new cartridge 4 would generally involve a reversemovement, i.e., through open end 37 b, cartridge 4 would be installedwith seal arrangement 30 pushed inwardly in the example shown, allowingradial seal 31 to push around and seal to housing seal support 35. Cover38 would then be secured in place through latch arrangement 39.Typically, cover 38 is configured to be completely removed from theremainder of housing 3, while latch arrangement 39 is unlatched.

In more general terms, the housing 3 is openable, for service access tocartridge 4 in interior 3 a. In an example system, access is through anend access cover arrangement opposite the air flow outlet 20.Alternatives are possible with application of many of the principlesdescribed herein.

Referring still to FIG. 2, the air flow inlet arrangement 16 comprisesan air flow inlet aperture arrangement 16 a in side wall 15, throughwhich air can pass from exterior of air cleaner 1, into annulus 18, foreventual filtering. For the particular example shown, air flow inletarrangement 16 includes mounting collar 16 b, inlet tube 16 c and raincover 16 d. A variety of inlet arrangements are possible. The particularinlet arrangement 16 depicted in FIG. 2, is of a type generally referredherein to as an “axial” inlet arrangement, since a central axis 16 x ofthe inlet arrangement 16 is directed toward a central axis 3 z of theair cleaner housing 3, i.e., a central longitudinal axis of the outerwall 15 and of cartridge 4.

Still referring to FIG. 2, in typical arrangements, appropriatestructure will be provided to direct air flowing into annulus 18 frominlet arrangement 16, into a helical or cyclonic pattern, within annulus18 and around cartridge 4. This will provide a first stage dustseparation, in which some dust or particulate material within the inletair is separated and eventually migrates to a dust ejector arrangement(evacuation or vac valve) indicated generally at 60. Typically thehousing 3 is provided with a dust ejection port at 60 x in side wall 15,through which the dust ejected by cyclonic separation, can pass into thedust ejection arrangement or evacuation (or vac) valve 60.

In typical assemblies, the arrangement of features that allow for aninitial partial dust separation using the cyclonic pattern incombination with the dust ejector port 60 x and the dust ejectorarrangement 60, is referred to as a first stage separator arrangement. Avariety of features can be used in the first stage separatorarrangement. Some examples are described herein.

The filter cartridge 4, which removes still further dust or contaminantas the air is passed through the media 5, is sometimes referred to as asecond stage filtration or separation unit. It is noted that in someinstances the filter arrangement at the second stage, may comprise morethan one filter cartridge, for example a main filter cartridge such ascartridge 4 and a separate filter cartridge, discussed below, positionedinteriorly over the main cartridge and typically identified as a safetyor secondary filter.

Referring still to FIG. 2, to avoid leakage of unfiltered air intooutlet tube 21, a variety of structural arrangements can be used,typically comprising welds when the structural materials for the housing3 and selected relevant components are made from metal. An example wouldbe a welding of the tube 21 at seam 40, to other structure of the aircleaner 1, in this case to a flange of wall 36 of accumulator tankarrangement 3 y discussed below. Other attachments that can be used tofacilitate avoidance of undesirable leakage are located at 41 and 42,again welds being useable at these locations to avoid leakage ifdesired.

For the particular example shown, end cap 11 is a molded-in-place closedend cap, typically comprising foamed polyurethane, although alternativesare possible. Projections 11 a provide for a cushion against accesscover 38.

The air cleaner assembly 1 includes a pulse jet cleaning arrangement,for selected pulse jet cleaning of cartridge 4. The pulse jet cleaningarrangement is indicated generally at 50. The pulse jet cleaningarrangement 50 includes a compressed gas (i.e., typically compressedair) accumulator tank 51. For the example shown in FIG. 2, theaccumulator tank 51 comprises the compressed gas accumulator tankarrangement 3 y. The accumulator tank 51 depicted, is defined in a ringshape around outlet tube 21, with the tank 51 generally defined by:outer, domed, end wall 36 o; inner flange 36; a radial outer wall 51 a;and, a radial inner wall defined by tube 21. For the example shown, thetube 21 comprises inner and outer sections 21 b, 21 a respectively, withcollar or bracket 21 c therebetween. (Typically, end wall 36 o whichwill form an outer wall for the compressed gas tank 51 discussed below,is formed with a dome shape to facilitate a secure strong constructionwith a relatively thin gauge material.)

The accumulator tank 51 is configured to receive compressed gas(typically air) therein, from a compressor system of the vehicle orother equipment involved. A control valve or tap arrangement (not shown)for example in region 52, FIG. 2, for charging the accumulator tank 51would be used. Also in FIG. 2, at 53, a solenoid control valve orswitch, to operate or actuate valve arrangement 56 is shown.

Typically the tank 51 will be configured to store therein pressurizedair at a selected pressure value, often within the range of 60 to 150psi (4.1-10.3 bar), and more often 80-120 psi (5.5-8.3 bar); withtypical examples being 100 psi (6.9 bar). The volume of the accumulatortank can be varied and it will typically be at least 100 cubic inches(1.64 liters), often 130 to 200 cubic inches (2.1-3.3 liters),especially for example arrangements in which the cartridge 4 has adiameter of 10-13 inches (25.4-33 cm) and a length of 13-25 inches(33-63.5 cm).

The pulse assembly 50 further includes a compressed gas (air) dischargearrangement 55, FIG. 2. The compressed gas (air) discharge arrangement55 generally includes a control valve or pulse valve arrangement 56 anda pulse jet distribution arrangement 57. The compressed gas (air)discharge arrangement 55 would also typically include a solenoid controlvalve 53, for actuation or operation of the pulse valve arrangement 56.It is noted that in FIG. 2, the pulse valve arrangement 56 is notdepicted in cross-section, for convenience.

In operation, pulse valve arrangement 56 is selectively operable todirect a pulse of compressed gas (typically air) from accumulator tank51 into distribution arrangement 57. The gas (air) pulse is thendirected from distribution arrangement 57 into interior 6 of cartridge4, causing a back flush of gases (air) through media 5 from interior 5 ito exterior 5 o. The back flush of gases (air) will create air (gas)movement to dislodge material deposited on an upstream surface of themedia 5. This material will then generally discharge from interior 3 aof housing 3, through evacuation (or vac) valve arrangement 60.

It is anticipated that for many typical arrangements, cartridge 4 willhave: an axial length, i.e., length between end caps 10 and 11, of atleast 300 mm, usually within the range of 350 to 500 mm; an interiordiameter defined at 5 i of at least 100 mm usually within the range of110 to 250 mm; and an exterior diameter defined at 50 of at least 200 mmusually 200 to 350 mm. Although variations are possible, the pulse ofgas (air) will typically be a 0.1 second pulse, of compressed air fromtank 51. The pulse of air will reduce the pressure within the tank 51.In many instances, the arrangement will be configured so that a singlepulse (for example the 0.1 second pulse characterized) will reduce thepressure within the tank 51 down to a point at which a useful secondpulse is not feasible, until the tank has been recharged. Typically sucha reduction of pressure within the tank, for many arrangements, will beto no more than 30 psi (2.07 bar), usually to no more than 25 psi (1.72bar), for example 10-25 psi (0.69-1.72 bar) although alternatives arepossible.

Control logic and equipment for implementing the control logic, formanaging the pulsing of the jet of compressed air are discussed hereinbelow, in connection with FIGS. 19 and 20.

Typically the pulse jet will be conducted while the vehicle or otherequipment is operating. In some instances, it may be desirable tobriefly inhibit air entering inlet 16 from passing into annulus 18,during the brief period of the pulse (typically 0.1 second).Arrangements to accommodate this are discussed below, in connection withFIGS. 9-12.

Referring to FIG. 2, in a typical installation, evacuation (or vac)valve 60 would be mounted with end 61 remote from housing 3 directeddownwardly. Thus, gravity will assist in removing particulate materialpulsed off cartridge 4 (and also in removal of material separated by thefirst stage cyclonic separation in annulus 18 described above, frominterior 3 a.)

In the particular example shown in FIG. 2, pulse jet control valvearrangement 56 is mounted on an exterior of tank 51. The valvearrangement 56 would include an arrangement for receiving compressed airfrom tank 51, passing it through the valve arrangement 56, and then intoconduit 59 for transfer to nozzle outlet 57 a. Alternates are possible,as discussed below.

An issue with respect to arrangements such as air cleaner 1 whichinclude: (a) a pulse jet assembly 50; and, (b) a primary filtercartridge 4 having media 5 surrounding an open interior 6, isaccomplishing appropriate distribution of air or displacement of airfrom interior 6 through the media 5 toward annulus 18, during pulsingoperation. A variety of distribution arrangements, operating in accordwith a variety of selected principles, can be applied to accomplishthis.

In the example air cleaner 1 of FIG. 2, distribution of the pulse ofcompressed gases (air) from accumulator tank 51 into interior 6, isconducted in a manner to accomplish desirable reverse pulsing and thuscleaning or refurbishing of cartridge 4. A distributor arrangement 57,comprising a blow pipe 59 with a discharge end or nozzle 57 a, providesfor inlet pulse distribution. End 57 a is generally adjacent to oraxially outside of end cap 10, although alternatives are possible.

In more general terms, it is typical to have the outlet end 57 a of thedistributor arrangement 57, positioned exterior to the cartridge 4 whenhousing dimensions and other limitations allow. However, in someinstances, especially with limited space requirements, it will bedesirable to configure the distributor arrangement 57 such that aportion thereof projects to a location within the interior 6 of thecartridge 4.

Upon discharge of air from end 57 a, for the example shown in FIG. 2,the pulse is directed into tube 21, in particular outlet extension 21 b.Outlet tube 21 projects through cap 10 and extends a distance of atleast 35%, usually at least 40%, and typically 40% to 60% of an axiallength of the cartridge 4 between end caps 10 and 11, into interior 6,although alternatives are possible. (This axial length is sometimesreferred herein as length X.) Further, tube 21 (in the example shownextension 21 b) is provided, at discharge end 81, with an outward bell,bell mouth or flared tip 82. The flared end 82 facilitates collection offiltered air from region 6 for direction to outlet 25.

Still referring to FIG. 2, region 83 is an annular flow region aroundend 57 a of tube 59, through which outlet flow occurs from end 81 ofoutlet flow tube 21 toward outlet end 25.

For the example shown, an interior cross-sectional shape at outlet 57 ais circular, and an interior cross-sectional shape of tube 21 in theregion surrounding outlet 57 a is also circular, although alternativesare possible. Also, although alternatives are possible, typically aninterior diameter Dx (largest inside cross section if outlet 57 a is notcircular) of outlet 57 a is no more than 40% and typically no more than35%, and usually 15% to 30%, of an internal diameter (largest crosssection if not circular) Dy of tube section 21 b surrounding outlet 57a. Alternately stated, an open area in region Dx, referenced herein asAx, is typically no more than about 16% of an area Ay corresponding tothe region across section of which is indicated at Dy; typically no morethan 12%, and typically within the range of 2-9%.

In general terms, if the outlet tube is too small, relatively highrestriction will result. If the outlet tube is too close to the filtercartridge diameter, it will tend to restrict flow in the overlapped areaof the filter media.

In typical arrangements, exterior diameter Do (smallest cross-sectiondimension if not circular) of outlet tube section 21 b (discounting bell82) is no more than 80% and usually no more than 76%, of an internaldiameter Di (smallest cross-section if not circular) of region 6.Typically outer diameter Do is at least 65% of diameter Di.

When the regions indicated at Do and Di are not circular, reference canbe made to the cross-sectional area. Typically the cross-sectional areaof the region indicated at Do is no more than 64%, and usually no morethan 58% and usually at least 42%, of the area at cross section Di.

In a typical example, with an 11 inch (27.9 cm) diameter air cleaner,the diameter of outlet tube 20 would typically be about 4 inches (10.1cm). By “11 inch diameter air cleaner” in this context, it is meant thatthe air cleaner has a circular interior of a side wall surroundingcartridge 4 of about 11 inches. In such an example, the end 57 a of blowpipe or nozzle 57, is typically about 1 inch (2.54 cm) diameter, and thepulse jet control valve arrangement 56 would typically be a 1 inch (2.54cm) valve.

It has been found that a distance from outlet end 57 a of flowdistribution arrangement 57, to end 81 (disregarding bell 82) of tubesection 21 b is a variable of interest, in accomplishing desirabledistribution. Referring to FIG. 2, angle H defines an interior conicalangle between opposite sides (or diameter) of opening 57 a, and oppositesides of end 81. Typically the distance between end 57 a and end 81 willbe selected, so that the internal conical angle H is no more than 30°and preferably no more than 27°, and often not more than 25°. This hasbeen found to provide a desirable expansion of a gas pulse exitingnozzle 57 a, as it extends through tube 21 to end 81, for pulse jetoperation. (Angle H will sometimes be referred to herein as the conicalangle between the pulse exit end of the pulse distribution arrangementand the tip (i.e., discounting bell 82) of the first (inner) section ofthe outlet tube 21. Although smaller angles for angle H can be used, insome typical examples of the type depicted, angle H is within the rangeof 22°-27°.

For the particular air cleaner 1 depicted in FIG. 2, the housing 3 isconfigured so that when installed, axis 3 z is generally horizontal andthe inlet arrangement 16 is positioned at or adjacent end 37 b ofhousing 3, i.e., adjacent axis cover 38. This latter will be typical forarrangements configured for horizontal mounting, and usually in suchinstances inlet aperture arrangement 16 a will be positioned in overlapwith media pack 5 at a location on the media pack 5 adjacent a locationremote from an end of the housing at which evacuator valve 60 islocated.

As referenced above, the air cleaner 1 includes an evacuation or vacvalve arrangement 60, that provides for ejection of dust from annulus 18during a pulse jet operation. The vac valve arrangement 60 is orientedin an overlap with an aperture arrangement (or dust ejector port) 60 xin housing 3, typically in side wall 15. The aperture arrangement 60 xallows dust to leave interior 3 a, i.e. to leave annulus 18. The dustaperture arrangement 60 x is typically spaced axially as far asreasonable toward end 37 a from center line 16 x of inlet arrangement16; and, radially opposite a direction of projection of inletarrangement 16 outwardly from side wall 15, when an axial inletarrangement is used. (When a tangential inlet arrangement is used (FIG.3) typically the dust aperture arrangement 60 x should be spaced atleast 200° around the housing in the flow direction of air, from acenter line of the inlet.)

In certain selected applications of principles described herein, withhorizontally mounted housings, typically the dust aperture arrangement60 x (in side wall 15 in communication with evacuation or vac valvearrangement 60) is positioned axially adjacent to, or axially beyond,end cap 10 of cartridge 4; “axially beyond” in this context is it meantin a direction opposite end cap 11. Also typically and preferably dustaperture arrangement 60 x in side wall 15 in communication withevacuation or vac valve arrangement 60 is positioned adjacent shoulderregion 90 in accumulator tank 51; shoulder region 90 including radiallyinwardly directed extension 91 and axial extension 92, and, axialextension 92 being spaced inwardly from outer wall 15 of housing 3 andin overlap with dust evacuation aperture 60 x.

Although alternatives are possible in some instances, in certain otherhorizontally mounted air cleaner arrangements, evacuation or vac valve60 can be positioned radially in overlap with cartridge 4, at a locationadjacent end cap 10, or positioned along (and spaced from) cartridge 4at a location in overlap with cartridge 4. When this is done, it istypically no more than 20% of a distance from end cap 10 and end cap 11.Thus, inlet arrangement 16 is typically positioned axially along aircleaner 1, with respect to annulus 18, as far as reasonably possible,from vac valve arrangement 60; and, vac valve arrangement 60 ispositioned underneath a remainder of the air cleaner assembly 1.

In typical preferred arrangements that are configured for horizontaloperation, vac valve 60 will be positioned in flow communication withannulus 18 at a location adjacent an end of annulus 18 opposite accesscover 38; for the example shown this end 18 x of annulus 18 beingdefined generally by shoulder 90 in accumulator tank 51. As a result ofthis location of the evacuation or vac valve 60, dust moving in annulus18 toward accumulator assembly 51, under inlet flow of air from inletarrangement 16, will be directed into the vac valve 60 for dischargefrom interior 3 a. The example vac valve 60 depicted is discussedfurther below in section IB.

Attention is now directed to FIG. 3, in which an alternate arrangementto that depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 is depicted, in a cross-sectional viewgenerally analogous to the view of 2. Like reference numerals are meantto refer to analogous components, with functions analogous to thosepreviously discussed. In addition, similarly identified features andstructures are meant to have analogous general functions to thosepreviously discussed for the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2.

Referring to FIG. 3, air cleaner 101 is depicted comprising a housing103 defining an interior 103 a. Within the interior 103 a is positioneda filter cartridge 4: comprising media 5 surrounding an interior region6; and, having an outer perimeter 5 o and an inner perimeter 5 i, forthe example shown each being circular. The media 5 can comprise pleatedmedia 5 p extending between opposite end caps 10, 11. At end cap 10 ahousing seal arrangement 30 is provided, in the example shown configuredfor providing an inside radial seal 31 when pushed around housing sealsupport 135. Also, for the example shown, the housing 103 includes anopen end 137 closed by access cover 138, the access cover 138 beingsecured in a closed position by latch arrangement 139. The cartridge 4can be inserted in, and be removed from, interior 103 a, when latcharrangement 139 is adjusted to permit access cover 38 to be removed fromor pivoted away from open end 137.

Still referring to FIG. 3, the air cleaner 101 includes an inletarrangement 116 configured to direct air flow into annulus 118 betweenhousing side wall 115 and cartridge 4, and extending completelytherearound.

For the example shown, inlet 116 is a tangential inlet, i.e., air flowinto annulus 118 is generally in a direction tangential to alongitudinal center line 102 of the housing 103 and cartridge 4. Thisdiffers from the specific example discussed for FIGS. 1 and 2, althougha tangential inlet could be used with such an arrangement. For theparticular example shown in FIG. 3, inlet arrangement 116 is configuredto direct air flow into a helical pattern around cartridge 4, in acounterclockwise direction, when viewed from the orientation of arrow117.

Air cleaner 101 further includes outlet tube 121 having interior 120,into which air filtered from passage through the media 5 flows, to beremoved at outlet end 125 (to be directed into equipment on which theair cleaner 101 is mounted for use).

Air cleaner 101 further includes a pulse jet air cleaning arrangement150 comprising: a compressed gas (air) accumulator tank 151; a chargingvalve arrangement (not shown) a solenoid valve 153 for control of pulsejet control valve arrangement 156; and, a pulse jet arrangement 153including a pulse jet control valve (or pulse valve) arrangement 156. Adifference from the air cleaner 1, FIGS. 1 and 2, is that the pulse jetvalve or control valve 156 is depicted mounted within interior 151 i oftank 150. The principles with respect to air cleaner 103 can beimplemented with a pulse control valve mounted exterior to tank 151;and, the principles of air cleaner 1, FIGS. 1 and 2, can be implementedwith a control valve mounted interior of tank 51.

Still referring to FIG. 3, evacuation or vac valve arrangement 160 ismounted analogous to, and operated analogously to, vac valve arrangement60, FIG. 1, and mounted to receive dust through aperture 160 x insidewall 115.

Still referring to air cleaner 101, FIG. 3, from the above descriptionit will be understood that housing 103 is divided into two sections:compressed gas (typically air) accumulator tank section 103 a; and,filter cartridge receiving (and filtering) section 103 b.

The pulse jet arrangement 153 includes a discharge arrangement 158including nozzle end 159.

Relative dimensions and locations of the outlet 159, and tube 120 incartridge interior 103 a, can be generally analogous to those asdiscussed above for the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2.

In general operation and function, parts characterized with respect toFIG. 3 in analogous terms to those used for FIGS. 1 and 2 performanalogous functions, except as discussed. One selected differencerelates to the observation that pulse valve arrangement 156 is securedinside of accumulator tank 151. Also, valve arrangement 156 includes aninlet pipe 157 directed generally downwardly, toward region 151 k ofinterior 151 i. It is into region 151 k, that, under gravity influence,condensed moisture within tank 150 will tend to drain. Thus, a proximitybetween inlet end 157 i of pipe 157, and region 151 k; will ensure thatmoisture collected within an interior 151 i will be pulsed out throughdistribution tube 158, during operation of pulse jet valve arrangement156.

Distributor arrangement 158, analogously to arrangement 57, FIGS. 1 and2, includes outlet end 159 for selective directing of a pulse flow intointerior 120 of tube 121, in a manner facilitating cleaning collecteddust off of an exterior of filter media 5. Also, to facilitate air flowinto tube 121, end 129 of tube 121 includes an outer bell or flange 130as depicted.

As an example, for an 11 inch (279.4 mm) diameter, 420 standard cubicfeet per minute (198.2 liter/sec), air cleaner, it has been determinedthat an accumulator volume (accumulator tank volume) about 150 cubicinches (2.46 liter) is adequate, when using a one inch pulse valve. Bythe term “420 standard cubic foot per minute air cleaner” it is meant anair cleaner designed to accommodate an air flow of 420 cubic feet perminute. Again by the term “11 inch diameter air cleaner,” reference ismeant to a diameter of a portion of the air cleaner or sidewallssurrounding the cartridge 4.

B. The Vac Valve Arrangements 60, 160.

With respect to evacuation or vac valve arrangement 60, sometimes calledan evacuator, attention is directed to FIGS. 13-17. Vac valvearrangement 160 would be analogous.

Referring first to FIG. 13, vac valve arrangement 60 is shown in afragmentary side elevational view (see FIG. 1 for orientation). The vacvalve 60 includes: a first side 200; a second, opposite, typicallymirror image, side 201 (FIG. 14); a front end 202; and, a second,opposite, rear end 203. Referring first to FIGS. 1 and 2, second or rearend 203 is generally a surface directed toward end 37 b of housing sidewall 15 on which access cover 38 is positioned; i.e. toward inletarrangement 16. In the example shown, second or rear end 203 istypically a featureless end with respect to air flow; by having no flowapertures or valve arrangements thereon.

Referring to FIG. 14, first or front end 202, opposite end 203, istypically an end directed away from access cover 38 of air cleaner 1.First or front end 202 of vac valve arrangement 60 generally comprises avalve member arrangement 210 secured in position, in the example shownby securing bar 211, although alternatives are possible. Valve member210 is generally a flexible piece of material, in this instancetriangular with a tip 210 a pointed downwardly. Bar 211 is shown (inFIG. 14) secured in place by rivets, bolts or other attachmentarrangements 212, along a perimeter edge section of valve member 210.Thus, tip 210 a of valve member 210 can flex toward the viewer relativeto the orientation shown in FIG. 14. Referring still to FIG. 14, theparticular valve member 210 depicted, is a single piece having atriangular shape with tip or corner 210 a directed downwardly.

Referring to FIG. 17, a frame arrangement 219 including support 220 forvalve member 210 is depicted. The support 220 is positioned underneathvalve 210, FIG. 14. The support 220 generally has a region 221 with adownwardly directed tip 210 a and with opposite edges 220 b, 220 cdiverging toward tip 220 a. The support 220 includes flow aperturearrangement 222 therein. For the example shown, the flow aperturearrangement comprises three flow apertures 222 a, oriented in atriangular pattern, with two adjacent one another and a third locatedunderneath the first two. At 223 apertures for securing bar 211 in placewith rivets, bolts or other attachments 212 is shown.

Still referring to FIG. 17, it is noted that support 220 has a generallytriangular shape with a downwardly directed point 220 a and two oppositestraight sides 220 b, 220 c, which diverge toward one another at pointor tip 220 a, away from upper arced side 220 d. Side or edge 220 d isarced to a radius corresponding to an outside surface of the air cleanerhousing wall 15, for mounting. Flanges 224 are provided to assist inmounting.

Typically, end piece 220 is mounted on a frame comprising flanges 224,and sides 225, the sides being joined at tip 226.

In operation, when pressure inside of vac valve 60 is increased, forexample during a pulse jet operation, valve member 210 can bias awayfrom apertures 222, allowing dust ejection through aperture arrangement222. On the other hand, during a normal operation of air cleaner 1,without the pulse jet arrangement 50 being actuated, pressure withininterior 3 a will generally be reduced, relative to ambient. This willtend to bias flexible valve member 210 against apertures 222, closingthem.

Vac valve arrangement 60 is configured to allow a rapid release ofpressure from interior 3 a, under pulse jet cleaning operation, torapidly eject dust from interior 3 a. To facilitate this, additionalejection apertures and valve arrangements are provided in vac valve 60.With respect to this, attention is directed to FIG. 13. In FIG. 13, side200 of vac valve arrangement 60 is depicted. Side 200 includes a valvearrangement 230 thereon, comprising a flexible valve member 231, in thesample shown secured in place by bar 232 and attachment arrangements233, although alternatives are possible. For the example shown, valvemember 231 is a flexible member generally rectangular in configuration,with bar 232 extending along a longer side (perimeter edge section) ofthe rectangular shape.

Referring to FIG. 16, frame arrangement 219 (with side piece 240, whichwould be positioned underneath flap valve 231) is viewable. Side piece240 includes an aperture arrangement 241, in this example comprisingthree apertures 241 a. The number and shape of apertures 241 a can bevaried; for the particular example three, vertically spaced, rectangularapertures 241 a being depicted.

Apertures 242 are for attachment of attachment members 233, for securingbar 232 in place. Analogously to operation of valve member 210, FIG. 14,when pressure builds up in interior 3 a of air cleaner 1, during a pulsejet operation, flexible valve member 221, FIG. 13, will biassufficiently to open apertures 241, FIG. 16, to air pulse and dustejection therethrough. However, when the pulse jet air cleaning systemis not operating to direct a cleaning pulse into cartridge 4, air flowwithin interior 3 a will generally provide for a reduction in pressurerelative to ambient, and flexible valve member 231 will generally pressagainst frame piece 240, closing apertures 241.

For the particular example vac valve 60 depicted, at side 201, FIGS. 13and 14, a structure analogous to that described in FIG. 13 for side 200would be positioned, allowing for release of compressed air and dustthrough side 201, when a pulse jet system is operated.

Typically, sides 201 and 202 of the vac valve arrangement 60, togethercomprise a frame arrangement including two sides analogous to framepiece 240, FIG. 16, which comprise two downwardly directed straightsections joined to one another at tip 61, FIG. 15. The two sections canbe mounted in place on an air cleaner, by flanges 224, FIG. 17. Endpiece 203, and support piece 220 are secured to the frame pieces 240.The flexible valve members 210, 230 are secured in place as described.

In a typical system, the longer length (i.e., height) of the rectangularvalve member 230 would be at least 20 cm, typically 20 cm to 30 cm; thewidth of member 230 would be at least 11 cm, typically 11-18 cm; and thedistance between tip 210 a and opposite edge 210 b of flexible valvemember 210, FIG. 14, would be on the order of at least about 6.5 cmtypically with the range of 7 cm to 13 cm. A length of edge 210 b wouldtypically be within the range of 6.5 cm to 12 cm, inclusive. The totalopen area in side piece 240 and the opposite side piece, would typicallybe at least 40% of a peripheral area of side piece 240 and usually 50 to70% of that peripheral area. The same would be true for the oppositepiece of side piece 240. As to side piece 220, typically the aperturearrangement 222 therein would have an area of at least 4%, usually avalue within the range of 5 to 40% inclusive, of a total perimeter areaof piece 270.

Vac valve 160, FIG. 3, can be made with an analogous structure to thatshown for vac valve arrangement 60. Indeed in some systems, identicalvac valve arrangements can be used.

The material from which the flexible valve members 210, 230 are made,would typically be a flexible rubber or rubber like material, ofappropriate impermeability. One useable material comprises a Hypalonmaterial having a durometer Shore A of 65, and a thickness of about0.125 inch (3.2 mm).

With respect to example dimensions, it is noted that with an evacuationor vac valve in accordance with vac valve 60 or 160, it has been foundthat an open area for exit apertures from the vac valve on the order ofabout 13.5 square inches (87.1 square cm) has been known to perform wellin an 11 inch (27.9 cm) diameter air cleaner having a primary air flowof 420 standard cubic feet per minute. By the term 11 inch diameter aircleaner, it is again meant that the air cleaner side wall has an outerdiameter of 11 inches. For many examples according to the presentdisclosure, an open area on the order of about 11 square inches (71 sq.cm) to 15 square inches (97 sq. cm) will be useful, in air cleaners ofthe size typical for equipment with which it is desirable to use a twostage pulse jet air cleaner with a cylindrical cartridge, althoughalternatives are possible.

II. Alternate Flow Distribution Arrangements, FIGS. 4-6

For the examples described above in connection with FIGS. 1-3, the pulsejet of air from the accumulator tank (51, 151), is depicted directedfrom a flow distribution arrangement (57, 158) into an outlet tube 21,121 which itself is directed into the cartridge 4 a distance (typically)of at least 35% of a length of the cartridges from end cap 10 toward endcap 11. In some systems it may be desirable to avoid an extended outlettube analogous to tubes 21, 121. When this is the case, alternate pulsejet distribution arrangements can be used. An example is shown anddescribed in FIGS. 4-6.

Referring to FIG. 4, air cleaner 300 is depicted. Air cleaner 300 isgenerally analogous to air cleaner 1, FIG. 1, except for featuresrelating to the flow distribution discussed herein below. It is notedthat the analogous features discussed for flow distribution with respectto air cleaner 300, can also be applied in a modified version of aircleaner 101, FIG. 3.

Referring to FIG. 4, air cleaner 300 includes housing 3 defininginterior 3 a with inlet arrangement 16. The side wall 15 includes anopen end 37 b closed by access cover 38 which is secured in place bylatch arrangement 39. Within interior 3 a is positioned cartridge 4comprising media 5 extending between end caps 10 and 11. The cartridge 5comprises, in this instance, pleated media 5 p defining an interior 5 iand an exterior 5 o surrounding interior space 6. End cap 10 includeshousing seal arrangement 30 thereon, in this instance forming a radialseal 31 around support 35.

The air cleaner 300 includes a pulse jet air cleaner arrangement 50including a compressed gas (air) accumulator tank 51. Selected featuresof accumulator tank charging arrangement 52 are depicted. Also depictedis a control valve arrangement 56 for providing a pulse jet of air frominterior of accumulator tank 51 through conduit 310 to distributionarrangement 311. For the example shown in FIG. 4, outlet tube 320, forselected air flow from interior 6 into downstream equipment throughoutlet 321 is depicted. Although alternatives are possible, for theexample shown, the outlet tube 320 has an end 322 that does not projectfurther than 25% of axial length of cartridge 4 (typically not more than20% of this distance and usually not more than 15% of this distance)into cartridge 4, from end cap 10. Mounted adjacent end 310 a of tube310 is provided, as part of distribution arrangement 311, distributornozzle 315. For the sample shown, the distributor nozzle 315 projectsinto cartridge 4 from conduit 310 and is depicted, schematically, inmore detail, in FIGS. 5 and 6.

Referring to FIG. 5, distributor nozzle 315 includes a conduit member316 with at least one and usually a plurality of side air releasearrangements 317 thereon. For the example shown there are four siderelease arrangements 317 radially spaced (in the example shown evenlyradially spaced) around an outer periphery of conduit 316, althoughalternative numbers and locations are possible. In addition, conduit 316includes an open end 319 through which a portion of compressed gas (air)pulse can release.

Attention is directed to side air release arrangement 330, whichcomprises one of the four side arrangements 317, FIG. 5. Releasearrangement 330 includes an upstream (with respect to pulse jet flow)section 331 and a downstream, with respect to pulse jet flow, section332. For the examples shown, end 332 flares inwardly, and end 331 flaresoutwardly. This creates an opening for side distribution arrangement 330at location 335, for a portion of air flowing down a region of tube 316to escape through a side of tube 316 without reaching end 319. Oppositearrangement 330, FIG. 5, is provided at analogous arrangement 340positioned the same distance from upstream end 350 of nozzle 315. Siderelease arrangements 341, 342, FIGS. 5 and 6 are analogously configured,but each is positioned further upstream with respect to pulse jet flowi.e., toward end 350, than are arrangement 330, 340.

In FIG. 6, a view looking in the opposite direction of arrow 360, FIG.5, is provided. It is noted that arrow 360 generally shows the pulse jetflow direction through nozzle 315.

One can see, from FIGS. 5 and 6, that air pressure passing down interior315 i will spread with a portion exiting the side of tube 316 at outlets330, 340, 341, and 342, and with a portion exiting end 319. This willhelp to radially distribute the pulse flow as it spreads into thecartridge 4, to facilitate pulse jet cleaning of cartridge 4. In moregeneral terms, the downstream inward flares 332 each form an air funnelor scoop, collecting a portion of a pulse jet directed down interior 315i, and directing that pulse jet out through a side of nozzle 316.Outward upstream flares 331 facilitate increase in the size or amount ofthe sidewardly directed pulse.

It is noted that an alternate number of side outlet arrangements 317,from the four depicted in FIGS. 5 and 6, can be used. Further, analternate arrangement or shape of these, along an extension of nozzle315 can be used. The particular arrangement depicted, however,exemplifies a principle for defining outward radial expansion of thepulse around a 360° radius, to match region 6, in the example showncartridge 4 having a circular cross section.

It is noted that in some examples, a downstream inner flare can be usedin the absence of an upstream outer flare, to get some sidedistribution. In addition, alternative shapes and location of the sidearrangements 317 can be used.

III. Inlet Flow Arrangements

A. Features of an Example Axial Inlet Flow Arrangement, FIGS. 7 and 8.

Referring to FIG. 1, for the example air cleaner 1 depicted, the inletarrangement 16 is an axial inlet, in that air flow through inletarrangement 16 is generally directed toward a central axis 3 of thehousing 3. Features to facilitate flow are shown in FIG. 7. In FIG. 7,the portions of air cleaner 1 depicted are shown with collar 16 b, raincover 16 d, cartridge 4 and end cover 38 removed. Also, FIG. 7 isschematic, and does not depict detail features.

Referring to FIG. 7, it can be seen that mounting tube 16 c directs airin an axial entrance, toward a central axis of housing 3. For thevariation shown in FIG. 7, side wall 15, includes, underneath directingtube 16 c, an inlet arrangement 15 a comprising a vane or louverarrangement 500, to facilitate directing the air into a circular patternaround cartridge 4, FIGS. 1 and 2.

The vane or louver arrangement 500 can be seen in FIG. 8, in which sidewall 3 is depicted with tube 16 c removed. The vane or louverarrangement 500 comprises a plurality of openings, in this instanceopenings or cuts 501, 502, 503, 504, 505, and 506, in side wall 15. Theopenings or cuts in the side wall 15, are formed with tips 502 a, 503 a,504 a, 505 a, and 506 a bent into housing 3 (away from the viewer inFIG. 8). As air enters through tube 16 c, FIG. 7, vane or louverarrangement 500 will start circulating the air in a circular pattern,around cartridge 4. For the example shown, vane or louver arrangement500 is directed to cause the air to flow clockwise, when viewed in thedirection of arrow 510, FIG. 8, although alternatives are possible.

As a result of being directed in the cyclonic or helical flow, in theexample clockwise, preseparation of some particulate material or dustmaterial within the inlet air flow will occur, with this preseparationultimately directing the air in the direction of the evacuator or vacvalve 60, FIG. 7.

It is noted that with respect to the assembly of FIG. 3, the inlet wastangentially directed. A tangential inlet can be used to provide adirection of air flow into a cyclonic or helical pattern, without theneed of a vane or louver arrangement to further facilitate direction ofair flow.

Referring again to FIG. 8, at dimension AA, a length dimension for thehousing 3 is provided. The principles described herein can be applied inconnection with housings 3 having side walls 15 of a variety of lengths.Example lengths are at least 12 inches (30.5 cm), with many within therange of 14 to 24 inches (36-61 cm) inclusive, although alternatives arepossible.

B. Inlet Valving Arrangements, FIGS. 9-12

In general, it is desirable to avoid expulsion of dust through the inletarrangement (16, 116), when the pulse jet air cleaning system isoperated. A reason is because dust which ejects outwardly to the inlet,will likely be almost immediately sucked back into the air cleaner,under normal flow of inlet air. The engine is typically not shut offduring a pulse jet cleaning arrangement, and thus dust ejected into theinlet, will become re-entrained in the flow of inlet air. Also, dustejection through the inlet arrangement 16 may be to an undesirablelocation with respect to the vehicle or other equipment involved.

To facilitate operation of the pulse jet system, with avoidance ofejecting dust pulsed off the cartridge from being directed out the inletarrangement, some variations in which valve members or arrangements areused to inhibit undesirable movement of the dust have been developed.Examples of these are described in the schematic depictions of FIGS.9-12.

1. An Example Single Valve Flap Arrangement, FIGS. 9 and 10.

Attention is first directed to FIGS. 9 and 10. These figures areschematic, cross-sections through an air cleaner assembly 700. Referringto FIG. 9, assembly 700 comprises a housing 703 and internally receivedcartridge 704 with annulus 718 therebetween. At inlet 716 a flowdirection arrangement 719 is provided (in this example) in the form ofinlet vane a louver arrangement 720, which is configured to direct airflow around cartridge 704 in a clockwise manner with respect to theviewer's eye, as shown by arrow 725. For the particular example shown,inlet vane arrangement 720 comprises five vanes or louvers 720 a,although an alternate number and arrangement of vanes or louvers 720 ais possible.

Mounted along side wall 703 is a flap valve arrangement or member 730.Flap valve arrangement or member 730 is configured to close inlet 716,selectively. This will be understood by reference to both FIGS. 9 and10.

In FIG. 10, flap valve arrangement 730 includes a single flexible flap730 a shown biased away from inlet 716. Such a biasing of flap 730 willgenerally occur when inlet air pressure through inlet 716, directed byvane arrangement 719, is substantial. Referring to FIG. 10, it is notedthat when in the open position, flap valve arrangement 70 alsofacilitates direction of air flow into the helical or cyclonic patternrepresented by arrow 725.

During a pulsing, pressure within interior 706 of cartridge 704 willincrease. This will bias the flap 730 back against inlet 716, FIG. 9,inhibiting dust flow out through inlet arrangement 716.

The features of FIGS. 9 and 10 are shown schematically, and the extremesdepicted in FIGS. 9 and 10 are examples of extreme positioning of theflap valve 730 a, between an open extreme (FIG. 10) and a closed extreme(FIG. 9). In some instances, the flap valve 730 a may be configured tobias only between a partially closed and a partially open position,during normal operation. However, it is noted that in many typicalpreferred applications, for a brief period as a result of the pulsing ofa back flush flow from interior 706 of cartridge 704 into annulus 718,flap valve 730 will be biased to a completely closed position.

The principles described in connection with FIGS. 9 and 10 can beapplied with arrangements in accord with many of the general features ofair cleaners depicted in any of FIGS. 1, 3 and 4. Also, flaparrangements such as flap valve arrangement 730 can help with noisecontrol; i.e. they can provide a silencing function. Further, the flaparrangement protects media in the filter cartridge from direct impact ofhigh velocity dust directed into the air cleaner.

A useable material for the flap valve arrangement 70, is a rubber orrubber-like material, for example a 65A durometer Hypalon material,having a thickness of about ⅛ inch (3.2 mm). Alternatives from this arepossible.

2. A Multi Flap Arrangement, FIG. 11.

Referring to FIG. 11 an air cleaner 800 is depicted generallyschematically and analogously to air cleaner arrangement 700. Aircleaner arrangement 800 includes a housing 803 with an internallyreceived filter cartridge 804 around an open interior 806, and definingan annulus 818 between the cartridge 804 and a wall 803. An inletarrangement 816 comprising a flow direction arrangement 819, in thisinstance a vane arrangement 819 a comprising a plurality of vanes 820 isdepicted. A flap valve arrangement 830 is shown, positionable between anopen position and a closed position, to close inlet arrangement 816. Inthis example the flap valve arrangement 830 comprises a plurality offlexible flaps 831, one associated with each opening associated withvanes 820. The individual flaps 831 can be operated analogous to flap730, FIG. 10, to: (i) open under inlet flow through inlet arrangement816; and (ii) to close during pulsing from increased pressure in region806, to control expulsion of dust outwardly through inlet 816 during apulse jet operation.

The flap valves 831 also facilitate helical or cyclonic flow.

3. A Flap Valve Arrangement with a Tangential Inlet, FIG. 11A.

In FIG. 11A, an air cleaner 850 is depicted in schematic cross-section,comprising housing 851 with internally received cartridge 854 around aninterior 855. An annulus 858 is provided between the cartridge 854 andside wall 859. Inlet arrangement 860 is depicted as a tangential inlet.Flap valve arrangement 865 is shown mounted on an interior wall 859flexible between open and closed positions, in the example of FIG. 11A,a generally open position being shown. In the open position, air canenter inlet arrangement 860 in the direction of arrow 870, to betransferred into a generally helical or cyclonic pattern as indicated byarrow 871. When a pulse occurs to increase pressure in region 855, flapvalve arrangement 865 will bias to close inlet 870 briefly, during thepulsing.

FIG. 11A, then, shows that in general the principles described above inconnection with the arrangement of FIGS. 9 and 10, can be implementedwith a tangential inlet arrangement.

4. A One Way Valve Arrangement, FIG. 12.

In FIG. 12 a fragmentary cross-sectional view of yet another version ofcontrolling dust flow at an inlet arrangement is depicted. In FIG. 12,air cleaner 900 comprising a side wall 903 with inlet section 916, isshown. In the example of FIG. 12, only the inlet section 916 and aportion of side wall 903 are depicted. The inlet section 916 comprises atube 917 with an inlet aperture 918 provided with a seal gasket 919.Spring loaded valve arrangement 920 is depicted with valve leaves 921,922. The valve leaves are biased under spring pressure in the directionof arrow 925 to be closed, under pressure within interior 903 a ofhousing 903. This would be, for example, during a pulsing operation. Inaddition, leaves 921, 922 are biased open toward one another in thegeneral direction of arrows 926, overcoming spring pressure, duringinlet flow in the direction of arrow 930, into interior 903 a. Thiswould be a normal operation without the pulse jet initiated to openaperture 918 to inlet air flow into the air cleaner 900.

IV. Further Variations and Possible Features

A. Alternate Closed End for the Filter Cartridge, FIG. 18.

The filter cartridge 4 of FIGS. 1-3, includes a closed end cap 11, forthe example shown a molded-in-place end cap. For some molded materials,central region 11 c can be relatively weak. This can, in some instances,raise an issue with respect to pulsing operation potential damaging theelement.

In addition, it will be understood that under typical pulse jetoperations, there is a pressure biasing the cartridge 4 in a directionaway from the pulse jet arrangement 55 when pulse jet operation occurs,FIG. 1 (or analogously in FIGS. 3 and 4). In FIG. 18, a variation in thecartridge housing interaction at the closed end cap 11 is depicted.

Referring to FIG. 18, a fragmentary cross-sectional view isschematically shown depicting closed end cap 11. Here closed end cap 11includes a central member 11 d comprising a rigid, for example preformplastic, member secured in place under molded ring 11 e. Thus, end cap11 is a composite end cap comprising molded-in-place material 11 e witha central rigid member 11 d secured in place under the molding 11 e. Forthe example shown, rigid member 11 d is provided with a central axiallydirected frusto-conical portion 11 f, with a cone directed toward accesscover 38. For the example shown, access cover 38 includes a projection970 which projects into recess 971 around cone 11 f. Rigid member 11 dis not likely to flex substantially under pulsing; and, projection 970can be configured to project against recessed ring 971 if desired (notshown) to further support the cartridge 4 even more securely.

B. Pulse Jet Control Arrangement and Logic, FIGS. 19 and 20

In FIG. 19, air cleaner 1 is depicted in perspective view, end 36 beingviewable. Various arrangements for control of pulsing are shown. Forexample at 1010 a control board or microprocessor arrangement is shown,for electrical control of pulsing. At 1011, solenoid switch or valvearrangement is shown, controlled by control board 1010, for operation ofpulse jet control valve 56.

At 1012, the tap is provided for attachment to a compressed air line ona vehicle or other equipment, for charging the compressed gasaccumulator tank 51. At 1020, an assembly for measuring pressure withintank 51 and, if necessary, bleeding pressure from tank 51, is shown.

It is noted that similar equipment can be utilized for the operation ofthe variations describes herein above, for example with respect to FIGS.3 and 4.

A variety of control logic or programming approaches can be used, for apulse jet assembly in accord with the present disclosure. An example isindicated in FIG. 20.

Referring to FIG. 20, at reference numeral 1100, an example of start uplogic is shown. At 1101, a programming check to indicate properoperation is indicated. At 1102, the logic check of whether the systemis in the cleaning stage is asked. For the example arrangement, theinquiry will be whether there has been an identified selected timeinterval since the last time the equipment was in the cleaning state.This time interval will be selected for the equipment involved, basedupon the propensity of the cartridge to sufficiently load with dust, toundesirably increase the restriction of air flow to the engine of thevehicle involved. An example time period indicated at 1103 is 24minutes. However, alternate time periods can be selected.

The basic issue assessed at step 1102, then, is whether the identifiedtime (in the example 24 minutes) has elapsed since the final pulse ofthe last cleaning cycle. The particular arrangement depicted in FIG. 20,is configured for operation with three pulses during the cleaning state.Thus, the specific question indicated at 1103 is whether 24 minutes haveelapsed since the final or third pulse of the last cleaning cycle.

In general terms, if at inquiry 1102, it is determined that the aircleaner is in the cleaning state, i.e., the appropriate time is passed,etc., the compressor is turned on (if not already on) as indicated at1105. As indicated at 1106, the system will check to determine that theaccumulator tank is appropriately charged. If it is, as indicated at1107, the pulse valve will be charged, to direct the pulse into thecartridge, for cleaning. The fact that a pulse actually fired can beassessed, for example, by determining a drop in the pressure of thetank, as shown in 1108. Once an appropriate pulse has occurred, asmeasured by a pressure drop in the tank, the system can cycle asindicated by 1109, however many times the number of pulses is set tooccur. If only a single pulse is set to occur, then the timing clock forthe period since the last cleaning can be reset as indicated at 1103. Onthe other hand, if multiple pulses are intended, then the pulse countercan be reduced by 1, with pulse cycling until the pulse counter reducesto 0, at which point the cleaning cycle is reinitiated with a timer.

In some instances, the pressure within the tank can be monitored, todetermine when follow-up pulses and a multiple pulse programming are tobe undertaken. However, in an arrangement such as that suggested in FIG.20, after an initial pulse, recharging of the accumulator tank can beset to occur, within a time period used to determine when the secondpulse, etc., is undertaken. In an example system, after the first pulse,a selected interval of 1-3 minutes (for example 2 minutes) would bewaited while the tank charges, with the follow-up pulse, and a furtherperiod of 1-3 minutes (for example 2 minutes) while the tank recharges,with a final pulse, and then a cycling back to the time period.

Still referring to FIG. 20, at 1114 a logic step of setting the pulsevalve system to operate, and resetting the pulse counter, is indicated,after it has been determined that the time period since the last pulsingset, has occurred. At 1115, a step of assessing the pulse counter todetermine whether the number of pulses set (in the example shown 3) hasoccurred as indicated. At 1160 is shown in logic step of turning off thecleaning state after the pulse counter has reached zero.

Still referring to FIG. 20, at 1120 is shown the logic step of turningthe pulse system off, if the time period set before implementation ofthe pulse sequences has not passed. At 1121 is shown a logic step ofchecking the time period since the previous pulse, with a multi-pulseprogramming arrangement. In the example shown in 1121, a selectedspecific two minute interval (within the 1-3 minute interval discussedabove) is shown. At 1122 is shown a logic step of determining not tofire the pulse valve, if the requisite time period to charge the tankafter a pulse has not occurred.

At 1125 is shown a logic step relating to managing signals if theaccumulator tank has not charged, but the requisite time period haspassed since a previous pulse. Finally, at 1126 is shown a step ofproviding a fault signal, if the pressure in the tank does not appear todrop, after the electronic condition indicates that a pulse has fired.

In summary, then, the logic flow of FIG. 20 indicates, in general, asystem in which a pulse sequence comprises a selected number (in theexample three) pulses each separated by a selected (in the example twominute) interval, with a selected period (in the example 24 minutes)between pulse sequences. During the selected (in the example two minute)interval between the pulses of a three pulse sequence, the tank isrecharged. After the selected (three) pulse sequence, the tank is alsorecharged.

Of course a variety of variations in the logic indicated in FIG. 20, canbe made. In addition, alternate pulse jet control arrangements,utilizing different parameters than time, can be implemented.

C. Vertical Orientations, FIGS. 21-23.

The examples of FIGS. 1-4, show an environment of an air cleaner mountedfor use, with the longitudinal access of the air cleaner housing andinstalled cartridge extending generally horizontally. Many of theprinciples discussed can be applied in arrangements configured forvertical operation. Examples are shown in FIGS. 21-23.

Referring to FIG. 21, an air clearer assembly 1200 is depicted. The aircleaner assembly 1200 comprises a housing 1201 with a side wall 1202.The housing 1201 defines an interior 1201 i, in which is received afilter cartridge 1204. Cartridge 1204 comprises filter media 1205surrounding interior 1206. For the example shown in FIG. 21, a secondaryor safety filter 1210 is shown mounted interiorly of cartridge 1205,i.e., in region 1206.

For the example shown, each of the cartridges 1204, 1210 includes an endor axial seal member, as shown at 1215, 1216 respectively, with sealingoccurring under pressure applied by mounting the cartridges over centralyoke 1220. In the example shown, cartridge 1204 includes end cap 1225secured to yoke 1220 by wing nut 1226; and, cartridge 1210 includes endcap 1228 secured to yoke 1220 by wing nut 1229. Thus, as a variationfrom the cartridge arrangements of FIGS. 1-4, no internal radial sealsare used for sealing, rather sealing occurs through axial pressureapplied by wing nuts 1226, 1229 to cartridges 1204, 1210 respectively.

Still referring to FIG. 21, the vertical housing 1201 includes a bottom,removable, dust cup or dust receiver section and access cover 1230, withdust ejection outlet 1231. The cover is secured in place on end 1201 eof housing 1201 by band 1232. The dust ejection outlet 1231 wouldtypically be covered by an evacuation or a vac valve arrangement, notdepicted in detail. A variety of arrangements can be used, includingarrangements analogous to those discussed in connection with previousfigures. The arrangement depicted schematically, is discussed below inconnection with FIGS. 31-33.

Still referring to FIG. 21, housing 1201 includes inlet 1240, in thisinstance an axial inlet including a central access 1241 directed towardcentral access 1242 of cartridge 1204. The air cleaner 1200 furtherincludes an outlet 1250, for flow of filtered air from interior 1206.

For the example cleaner 1200 depicted in FIG. 21, inlet 1240 is spacedfrom dust cover 1230 as far as reasonably possible, toward outlet 1250.Also, seal arrangements 1215, 1216 are located on end cap 1205 x, 1210 xrespectively. End caps 1205 x, 1210 x would typically be open end caps,for example metal end caps potted to the media of the associated filtercartridge (1204, 1210). Also, typically end caps 1225, 1228 wouldcomprise metal end caps, potted to the media of the associatedcartridge, although alternatives are possible.

Air cleaner 1200 includes a pulse jet arrangement 1260 including acontrol valve 1261 and a distributor 1262 provided with nozzle 1263.These are mounted on accumulator tank section 1270 provided in aircleaner housing 1201. The accumulator tank section 1270 is separatedfrom a cartridge receiving section 1271, by appropriate wall structures.

Referring to FIG. 21, it can be seen that general operation wouldinvolve a flow of air into inlet 1240, through cartridge 1204 and safetycartridge 1210, and then outward flow of filtered air through outlet1250. Periodically pulse jet arrangement 1260 would be operated todirect a pulse of compressed gas (typically air) from tank section 1270via valve arrangement 1261 into distributor 1262 and from outlet 1263 toprovide a back flush to cartridge 1204. The dust from the back flushwould fall into dust collector 1230 and would be removed via ejectorport 123 i.

Inlet 1241 is shown directing air into a cyclonic pattern by anarrangement comprising a central flange 1280 and directional vanes orlouvers 1281. A variety of arrangements can be used, however, tofacilitate the directional flow.

According to the arrangement of FIG. 21 can be constructed with atangential inlet arrangement; and, various inlet valve arrangements canbe utilized in association with the inlet arrangement 1240.

In FIG. 22, an analogous arrangement 1300 is shown in cross-section,with modifications being in the shape of yoke 1301 and in inlet flange1302 and louvers 1303. Thus, cleaner 1300 includes housing 1313 defininga compressed gas accumulator tank 1314, dust cover 1315 with anevacuation port 1316; a main filter cartridge 1320, secondary safetycartridge 1321, an inlet arrangement 1323; an outlet arrangement 1324 apulse jet control valve arrangement 1330, and a pulse jet distributionarrangement 1331 including a nozzle arrangement 1333. Generalconstruction of features would be analogous to those described for FIG.21.

In FIG. 23, pulse direction arrangement 1262 is depicted. It can be seento comprise a conduit 1400 having an outlet end 1401. Mounted on theoutlet end 1401 is provided a nozzle or distributor arrangement 1263.For the example shown, nozzle or distributor arrangement 1263 comprisesa conical splitter member 1405, spaced from outlet end 1401 by spacedstruts 1410. As a pulse of compressed air exits end 1401, and isdirected toward apex 1415 of conical member 1405, it will distribute inan outward pattern due to flow over conical surface 1405. The flow canextend between struts 1410, to expand the compressed air flow withinregion 1206, FIG. 21, for effective pulsing. Conical splitter member1405 can be provided with a central, axial, flow conduit if desired.

Thus, the nozzle arrangement 1263, as a result of the conical member1405, provides for a 360° expansion of gas flow, as preferredarrangements in which the cartridge includes media extending around anopen interior.

An analogous nozzle arrangement to nozzle arrangement 1263 can beprovided for use in a variety of alternate air cleaners arrangement,constructed in accord with the principles described herein. An exampleis discussed below, in connection with FIGS. 27-29.

V. Additional Variations, FIGS. 24-33

A. FIGS. 24 and 25; an Inlet Flap Valve Arrangement with a SupportArrangement.

For an additional variation in air cleaner arrangements according to thepresent disclosure, attention is directed to FIGS. 24 and 25.

In FIG. 24, air cleaner assembly 2000 is depicted comprising housing2001 with removable and replaceable filter cartridge 2002 therein. Thehousing 2001 comprises a side wall 2005. A dust flow inlet arrangement2006 is shown, as well as an ejector valve or vac valve arrangement2010. The air cleaner assembly 2000 depicted may include featuresgenerally analogous to those in the arrangements of FIGS. 1-4. In FIG.24, the air cleaner housing 2001 is depicted with an access coverremoved, allowing a viewing of interior 2001 i in cartridge 2004.Mounted in interior of housing 2001 i, in overlap with inlet arrangement2006, is flap valve or flap arrangement 2015. The flap arrangement isshown in a normal open orientation, in which air can flow into interior2001 i through inlet arrangement 2006. Thus, the flap valve arrangement2015 is oriented in an open configuration, directing air flow in thegeneral direction of arrow 2020, as air enters interior 2001 i. Tofacilitate servicing, i.e., removal of cartridge 2002 during servicing,the flap valve 2015 is support by support arrangement 2025, in thisinstance comprising a bar 2026 supported underneath flap valve 2015. Thebar 2026 prevents the flap valve 2015 from dropping against thecartridge 2002, during servicing.

In FIG. 25, a fragmentary, side, perspective view is shown, and bar 2026can be seen extending underneath flap valve arrangement 2015. In FIG.25, the flap valve 2015 is shown biased to a closed position.

B. FIGS. 26-30; a Further Example of Horizontal Air Cleaner.

Another variation in an air cleaner including features generally inaccord with the present disclosure, is provided in FIGS. 26-30. Thegeneral operation of, and function of, parts characterized with respectto FIGS. 26-30 in analogous terms to those used for FIGS. 1 and 2, orother previously presented figures, perform analogous functions, unlessotherwise stated.

Referring to FIG. 26, air cleaner assembly 3000 is depicted. The aircleaner assembly 3000 is mounted with a horizontal center axis Z andcomprises a housing 3003 and an interiorly received, removable andreplaceable (i.e., serviceable) cartridge 4, FIG. 27. Referring to FIG.27, the cartridge 4 comprises media pack 5 surrounding axis Z anddefining an open, central, interior 6. The media pack 5 extends betweenfirst and second opposite end caps 10, 11.

As with previous arrangements discussed herein, the filter cartridge 4is a serviceable component. The particular example cartridge 4 depicted,has a generally circular cross-section, with the interior 6 beingcircular, and with an exterior edge 5 e, of the media pack 5, defining acircular exterior. A liner arrangement (comprising one or more liners)can be provided to support the media 5, along exterior 5 e, interior 6or both. Such liners, for example, could comprise perforated or expandedmetal, extending between the end caps 10, 11. Also, if pleated media isused for the media pack 5, adhesive beads can be used to facilitatepleats facing a pleat support. Further beads comprising adhesiveimpregnated fibrous material can be used for media support, as well aswire and/or plastic band arrangements. The media 5 can comprise pleatedmedia.

Although a variety of alternatives are possible, for the example shownin FIG. 27, cap 10 is a molded-in-place end cap; and, end cap 11 is amolded-in-place end cap. For the example shown, end cap 10 is an openend cap with aperture 10 x therethrough; and, cap 11 is a closed endcap.

Referring to FIG. 26, the housing 3003 is defined by outer wall 3014including side wall 3015 surrounding interior 3003 a, FIG. 27. The sidewall 3015, for the example shown, generally has a circular, interior,cross-sectional shape.

The housing side wall 3015 generally defines an open end 3015 o closedby an openable access cover 3014 x; the access cover 3014 x beingsecured in place by securing band 3014 y and bolt member 3014 z, FIG.26. The band 3014 y can be a metal band for strength.

When bolt member 3014 z is loosened, band 3014 y is loosened, and cover3014 x can be removed from end 3015 o, or be pivoted away, to allow foraccess to interior 3003 a (FIG. 27) and thus access to cartridge 4, forservice.

The band 3014 y and bolt member 3014 z arrangement can be advantageousfor strength, and robustness. The clamps, such as those depicted at 39a, FIG. 2, can, in some instances, fatigue under high internal pressureswithin the air cleaner, during pulse jet operation. Thus, a clamp asshown in FIG. 26 may be useful for previously described embodiments.

The housing 3003, FIG. 26, generally includes an air flow inletarrangement 3016 and an air flow outlet arrangement 3017. The depictedair flow inlet arrangement 3016 is a tangential air flow inlet.Referring to FIG. 30, an end view directed to outlet 3017, tangentialinlet 3016 is configured to direct air in a counter-clockwise direction,when the view is toward outlet 3017 (or a clockwise direction when theview is toward cover 3014 x).

It is noted that a non-tangential inlet, for example axial inlet, can beutilized in some applications of the techniques described herein.Further, the inlet 3016 can be provided with an inlet valve arrangement,in accord with the various descriptions provided in connection withprevious drawings, if desired.

It is expected the typically the inlet 3016 will be provided with aninlet flow valve arrangement generally in accord with the one depictedin FIGS. 24 and 25, i.e., a flap 2015 supported in place by a bar 2026.The inlet 3016 can also be fitted with a grid, for example cross barstherein, not shown, to inhibit the flexible flap member from beingpushed outwardly through the inlet 3016, under the pressure of a jetpulse, in operation.

Referring to FIG. 27, as with other arrangements, the inlet (unfiltered)air from inlet 3016 is directed into air flow annulus 3018 aroundcartridge 4. A cyclonic pattern of air flow, due to the tangential inlet3016, will help separate dust along an interior 3003 a of sidewall 3003.The dust would eventually be directed toward an evacuation valvearrangement, discussed below.

During normal operation, the unfiltered air from annulus 3018 passesthrough the media pack 5 from outside in, with filtering occurring. Thefiltered air in interior 6 then passes into interior 3020 of outlet tube3021. Eventually the air leaves the outlet tube 3021 through outlet3017.

In general terms, the outlet tube 3021 has an outlet end portion 3017and an inlet end portion 3021 x. During normal operation, air frominterior 6 passes into outlet tube 3021, to exit air cleaner 3000.

Referring to FIG. 27, it is noted that portion of the outlet tube 3021is depicted in phantom, extending to end portion 3021 x. The particularlength of the outlet tube 3021 projecting into an interior 6 ofcartridge 4 is a matter of choice, for various effects and advantages.Some applicable principles are previously described with respect toother embodiments, in connection with this variable. The extent to whichthe tube 3021 projects into the interior 6 is in part a function of thenature of the distributor arrangement used for distributing a pulse ofcompressed gas into interior 6.

For the example shown, the outlet tube 3021 includes an end 3021 xhaving an outwardly directed flair or bell 3021 y thereon.

The particular length of outlet tube 3021 depicted in phantom in FIG.27, is expected to be a desirable size for the particular assembly shownschematically in FIG. 27.

The cartridge 4 is sealed within the housing 3003 by the housing sealarrangement 3030 on the cartridge 4. In the example shown, the housingseal arrangement 3030 is a radial seal engaging a seal support 3035, toform an inwardly directed radial seal 3031. Seal arrangement 3030 cancomprise an integral portion of end cap 10.

In FIG. 27, the housing radial seal 3031 is depicted schematically, andis drawn with lines depicting an overlap with support 3035. In actualinstallation, seal region 3031 would be distorted (compressed) bysupport 3035. In FIG. 27, overlap depicted between the seal region 3031and the support 3035 indicates expected compression.

Still referring to FIG. 27, the example housing 3003 depicted includestwo separate compartments, cartridge receiving compartment or section3003 x and compressed gas (typically air) compartment, section oraccumulator tank 3003 y; the sections 3003 x, 3003 y being definedwithin housing 3000 as separate regions, both surrounded by side wall3015.

In the example shown, the compartments 3003 x, 3003 y are separated byinner wall structure 3036. Compartment 3003 y comprises a portion of apulse jet air cleaner system, as characterized below.

Housing outer wall 3014 includes end 3037, FIG. 26, which closes thehousing 3003 a at end 3003 f. End 3037 can be provided with a domeshape, and forms an end cover of the compressed air accumulator section3003 y, FIG. 27, with a portion of tube 3021 passing therethrough.

The example housing 3003 depicted, is a metal housing.

Referring to FIG. 26, the air cleaner assembly 3000 also includesevacuation or vac valve arrangement 3060. The evacuation or vac valvearrangement 3060 can be generally analogous to arrangement 60, discussedabove in connection with FIGS. 13-17. Thus, the vac valve arrangementincludes a rigid frame member 3060 x with an aperture arrangementtherethrough, and a flexible valve member arrangement 3060 y. Theflexible valve member arrangement can comprise one or a plurality offlap valve members, each operably positioned over a portion of theaperture arrangement in the rigid valve member. An interior of the vacvalve arrangement 3060 (indicated generally at 3060 i, FIG. 27), ismounted over, and is in communication with interior 3003 a of housing3003, by being positioned over aperture or dust ejector port arrangement3061 through side wall 3014 of housing 3003.

In general, region 3003 y is an accumulator tank 3051, generallyanalogous to tank 51, FIGS. 1 and 2. The valve arrangement is indicatedat 3065, actuated by solenoid valve switch 3071. As appropriatelydirected by on board equipment, solenoid valve switch 3071 will controlvalve 3065 to selectively open, to allow pulse jet of compressed gaseswithin accumulator tank 3051 to pass into distributor arrangement 3080comprising pulse jet tube 3081 and diffuser nozzle 3082.

As the pulse jet of compressed gas exits diffuser 3082, it isdistributed to cartridge 4 sufficiently to pulse dust off of media 5,such pulsed dust to be at least partially evacuated through dust ejectorport 3061 and outwardly from vac valve arrangement 3060.

Herein, when it is said that a pulse jet of “compressed air” is directedinto the cartridge 4, or similar terms are used, it is meant that apulse of gas from a compressed source is used. Of course within thecartridge 4, i.e., within region 3003 x of interior 3003, the pulseexpands from a compressed state.

Attention is now directed to FIGS. 28 and 29, in which diffuser 3082 isdepicted schematically, in greater detail. Diffuser 3082 comprise aconical diffusion member 3083 supported centrally over open end 3084 oftube 3081 by struts 3085. The conical diffuser 3083 is positioned with apoint vertex, or apex 3086 directed toward, and centrally positionedrelative to, exit end 3084. Although not shown, in some instances, a gasflow conduit can be provided through diffuser member 3083, for exampleby an opening at apex 3086. The conical diffusion member 3083 willtypically comprise metal, for example a rolled sheet metal member, or amachined or cast metal part.

As a pulse of gas is exited at 3081 at inlet 3084, a pulse will bedirected toward conical member 3083, and be diffused outwardly. Thiswill facilitate operation of the pulse jet system.

Herein, the conical diffusion or diffuser member 3083 will sometimes besaid to have an internal, vertex or apex, conical angle indicatedgenerally at X, FIG. 28. The angle X will typically be at least 30°,usually not more than 65°, and often within the range of 30° to 65° (forexample 55°-65°; i.e., 60°, for the example depicted).

It is noted that a pulse jet system with a conical diffuser is discussedin connection with a vertically oriented assembly, herein, in connectionwith FIGS. 21-23.

In FIG. 30, an end view of the assembly 3000 taken toward end 3037 isviewable. In FIG. 30, the following features are viewable: outlet 3017;pulse jet valve 3065, solenoid actuator valve 3071; port or tap 3037 rfor a restriction indicator; port 3037 p for gas flow communication withinterior compressed gas accumulator section 3003 y (FIG. 27); and,pressure transducer 3037 t. At 3037 z connector on inlet 3016 isprovided, for use in connection with other equipment on the vehicle.

Also referring to FIG. 30, it is noted that bottom apex 3090 andevacuation valve arrangement 3060 is not directed precisely downwardly,but rather at an angle DD from directed downwardly. This indicates that,for example, if the inlet 3016, for the vehicle involved, needs to behorizontal, i.e., have central axis H directed horizontally, theevacuator valve arrangement 3060 can be tipped from directed directlydownwardly. Of course it is generally preferred, for operation of theevacuation valve assembly 3060, that it be directed downwardly whenpossible.

In FIGS. 26-30, example dimensions and angles are provided as follows:in FIG. 26, AA=9.7 inches (246 mm); AB=4 inches (102 mm); AC=11 inches(279 mm); AG=2.68 inches (68.1 mm); AF=2.35 inches (59.7 mm); AD=6.94inches (176 mm); AE=13.55 inches (344.2 mm); and, AH=12.07 inches (306.6mm). In FIG. 27, BA=5.41 inches (137.4 mm); BB=5.29 inches (134.4 mm).In FIG. 28, CA=0.97 inches (24.6 mm); CB=1.12 inches (28.4 mm); CC=1.15inches (29.2 mm); and, angle X=60°. In FIG. 30, DA=4.5 inches (114.3mm); DB=3.32 inches (84.3 mm); DD=15°; DC=9.61 inches (244 mm); DE=6.63inches (168.4 mm); and, DF=7.11 inches (180.6 mm).

C. Further Regarding an Alternate Evacuation or Vac Valve Arrangement,FIGS. 31-33.

In the vertical arrangement of FIG. 21, an evacuation valve arrangementis shown schematically in outlet tube 1231, but is not depicted indetail. An example of the type of arrangement depicted in FIG. 21, isshown in enlarged, fragmentary view, in FIG. 31.

Referring to FIG. 31, evacuator tube 1231 is depicted, with evacuatorvalve arrangement 4000 operably mounted therein. The evacuator valvearrangement 4000 comprises flexible valve member 4001 and rigid valveframe arrangement 4002, secured together by central connector 4003.

In FIG. 32, an enlarged, perspective, exploded view is depicted showingoutlet tube 1231 and evacuation valve arrangement 4000. It can be seenthat flexible valve member 4001 is secured to rigid frame arrangement4002 at a location in covering arrangement to valve aperture arrangement4009, in the example shown comprising apertures 4010. For the exampleshown, there are five (5) apertures 4010 positioned in a circularpattern, and valve member 4001 is circular. Connector 4003 is shownpositionable to secure flexible valve member 4001 in place. Theconnector 4003 is not movable, i.e., it is a stationary connector thatremains secured in place and does not move during use.

As with the flexible valve member(s) of evacuation valve arrangement 60previously discussed, flexible valve member 4001 includes no openaperture arrangements therethrough, when in use. Central aperture 4001 dthrough member 4001, would be closed by connector 4003 including washer4003 x, when installed. For the example shown, the connector 4003 isstationary in use, and the evacuation valve arrangement 4000 does notinclude a coiled spring biasing member therein.

In the example shown, apertures 4010 are each circular.

When a pulse jet of compressed gas is directed through a pulse jetarrangement for an assembly such as assembly FIG. 21, evacuation of dustis directed through evacuator valve 4000. In particular, the airpressure from the pulse goes through apertures 4010, carrying dusttherewith. This will bias down a periphery of valve member 4001 awayfrom plate 4002 allowing dust ejection through tube 1231 and from aninterior of an associated air cleaner.

In FIGS. 31 and 33, example dimensions are as follows: EA=1.12 inches(28.4 mm); EB=2.0 inches (58.8 mm); FA=2.03 inches (51.6 mm); FB=3.25inches (82.6 mm); and, FC=4.0 inches (101.6 mm).

It is again noted that as with the evacuation valve arrangement 60previously discussed, evacuation valve arrangement 4000 does not includecoiled spring biasing arrangement therein. Rather, pressure to open thevalve arrangement is provided by compressed air in an interior of theassociated air cleaner housing, and closing of the valve arrangement isprovided by the flexible nature of the material selected for theflexible valve member(s) being such as to tend to return the valvemember to the closed position, when pressure within interior of thehousing is not raised over atmospheric, by a compressed pulse.

D. Further Comments Regarding Evacuator Valve Function, Operation andFeatures.

In order to obtain effective pulse jet cleaning of an installedcartridge, it is important to have both: an adequate pulse of air; and,an appropriate vac valve arrangement for allowing the increased pressurecaused by the pulse, and movement of dust, to rapidly and effectivelyevacuate the interior of the housing. In general, the pulse jet aircleaning system will not perform properly, if the vac valve arrangementdoes not allow for a substantially high flow, in a rapid manner, ofpulsed gas (air) therethrough. Further unless a rapid release ofpressure within the air cleaner is accomplished, damage to the aircleaner can resolve from the resulting increased pressure in the aircleaner interior.

An example of useful arrangements for a variety of pulse jet cleaningassemblies, characteristics and principles distributable thereto, weredescribed above in connection with FIGS. 1-25. More recently, furtherinvestigations have been made to further identify desirable principlesof operation and construction for vac valve arrangements useable withpulse jet cleaning arrangements, in accord with the techniques describedherein.

In general, it is desirable that the vac valve arrangement not compriseflexible, “duck bill” type member such as shown in FIG. 9 of U.S. Pat.No. 6,051,042, incorporated herein by reference. Such arrangementsinclude a slit or similar structure in a rubber piece which deformsopen, under internal pressure. An issue with such arrangements, is thatthe maximum possible opening diameter is often less than 1.0 inch forthe valve member, which is sometimes insufficient to operate well withpulse jet systems.

Further it is desirable not to have vac valve arrangement comprise aflexible slit through a rubber or rubber-like material, that needs toopen during a pulse. Thus, again, preferably the “duck bill” arrangementis not used, because the resistance of the rubber like material toopening widely, is not desirable for rapid pulse evacuation and pressurereduction, during pulsing.

Rather, the typical arrangement described herein comprises a flexiblevalve member positioned over an aperture arrangement and rigid framemember. Further, the flexible member preferably has no open air flowaperture(s) or slit(s) therethrough, but rather opens the aperturearrangement in the rigid frame member by flexing away from the rigidframe member in use.

Preferably the evacuation valve arrangement does not operate through useof a coiled spring biasing member.

Typically, the material of the flexible valve member, when used inarrangements generally described herein, should be selected to haveappropriate characteristics over relatively wide temperature range, asthe evacuator valve arrangement will need to operate under both cold andhot conditions. The material should be stiff enough to return to arelatively flat condition voluntarily. However it should deform readilyunder the pressure of a pulse jet, to open the aperture arrangementthereunder, to flow of gas pressure and dust therethrough. A typicalmaterial will be easily to form under hand pressure, and will not besubject to undesirable fatigue during operation of life. Typically thematerial have sufficient memory to return to a flat state or nearly flatstate close to the surface of the apertures. When this is the case,internal pressure within the assembly will pull vac valve member inplace over the apertures, closing the apertures.

An example useable material is a hypolon, useable for example up totemperatures of about 250° F. (121° C.) with air/oil resistance, goodabrasion resistance, fair tear resistance, fair impact resistance,excellent weather resistance, good chemical resistance, good electricalresistance and fair flame resistance. An ozone resistance hypolon rubberis useable, with the durameter hardness of about 65+/−5, Shore A; autensil strength of about 1500 psi; a stretch limit percent 250, anddensity of 84 lbs/cu. ft. Such a material in 0.125 inch (3.2 mm)thickness is useable.

Advantageous arrangements, as for example depicted in connection withFIGS. 1-4, 7 and FIGS. 13-17 above, comprise: a rigid frame member (suchas 219, FIG. 17; 3060 x, FIG. 27, or 4002, FIG. 31) having an aperturearrangement therethrough, which is fixed in size and does not changeduring operation. Typically a total open aperture area for the rigidframe member of such arrangements is at least 1 sq. inch (6.5 sq. cm),typically at least 2 sq. inch (12.9 sq. cm), more preferably at least 4sq. inches (25.8 sq. cm). In some instances it is at least 5 sq. inches(32.3 sq. cm). More often at least 8 sq. inches (51.6 sq. cm), and insome instances 9 sq. inches (58 sq. cm) or greater.

A variety of flexible valve flaps or arrangements are described, forexample a rectangular valve flap secured along one perimeter edge, atriangular valve flap secured along one edge and a circular valve flapsecured in the center. A characteristic of each is that flexible valvemember is positioned over a portion of an aperture arrangement in arigid valve member, for rapid flexing under gas flow, to allow for rapidrelease internal pressure and escape of dust through an aperturearrangement.

Also it is important to have a sufficiently large aperture on the sidewall, in communication with vac valve arrangement, so as not toundesirably restrict rapid air flow to the vac valve arrangement.Typically the aperture underneath the vac valve arrangement, i.e., onthe side wall, as indicated in FIG. 27 at 3061 and in FIG. 1 at 60 x,will be at least 2 sq. inches (12.9 sq. cm), typically at least 4 sq.inches (25.8 sq. cm), often at least 8 sq. inches (51.6 sq. cm) and inmany instances larger, for example 9 sq. inches (58 sq. cm) or more;i.e., as large as reasonably accommodatable by the vac valve arrangementapplied.

VI. Some General Characterizations and Observations

From the above it will be understood that, in general, what is disclosedare example air cleaner assemblies comprising a housing including anouter wall defining: an air flow inlet; an air flow outlet; and, afilter cartridge receiving section. In examples shown, the housing alsodefines a compressed gas accumulator tank section, which is separatefrom the filter cartridge receiving section.

An access arrangement is provided for installation and receipt of aremovable or serviceable filter cartridge, from an interior of thehousing. In examples shown, the housing outer wall includes a side walldefining first and second ends, the second end being closed by anopenable access cover. In an example depicted, a compressed gasaccumulator tank section is provided positioned adjacent the first endof the housing.

The serviceable filter cartridge typically comprises filter mediasurrounding an open central interior and extending between first andsecond end caps. The filter cartridge would typically includes a housingseal arrangement thereon, for sealing the cartridge to a portion of thehousing, once installed. In some examples, an inside radial seal isprovided, as a portion of the first end cap, which is typically an openend cap. In other examples, an axial seal is provided, positioned on anouter end surface of the first end cap, which is an open end cap.

In the examples shown, the second end cap, opposite the first end cap,is typically a closed end cap. Example arrangements described for thesecond end cap include: one in which a unitary, molded-in-place, end capis provided; and, a second in which a composite end cap includes apreformed central piece secured-in-place by a molded-in-place outerring; and a third, in which a metal end cap is used.

In selected examples, the first end cap is a molded-in-place end cap. Inothers, the first end cap is a preformed (metal or plastic) end cap,with a seal gasket applied thereto.

In general terms, the air cleaner is configured to provide a first stageof dust separation, typically by directing the inlet air into a cyclonicpattern in an annulus around the filter cartridge, to provide cyclonicseparation, with dust migration to a dust ejector port and eventuallyoutwardly through an evacuator (evacuation) or vac valve arrangement.

The air cleaner assembly includes a pulse jet arrangement including apulse distribution arrangement. In examples depicted, the air cleanerassembly further includes a pulse jet control valve arrangement. Thepulse jet control valve arrangement is configured to selectively directa pulse of compressed gas into the pulse distribution arrangement, forexample from a compressed gas accumulator section. In example describedvariations, the pulse jet control valve arrangement can be mounted on anexterior of the compressed gas accumulator tank; or, the pulse jetcontrol valve arrangement can be positioned in the inside of thecompressed gas accumulator tank section.

The pulse distribution arrangement is configured to direct a pulse ofcompressed gas from a pulse jet control valve arrangement into an opencentral interior of the filter cartridge.

Variations are described, in which the assembly includes a singleprimary filter cartridge, or in which the assembly includes a primaryfilter cartridge surrounding a secondary safety filter cartridge.

In several examples shown, an air flow outlet tube arrangement isdepicted which includes a first section directed into the open interiorof the filter cartridge to a location surrounded by the media and asecond section projecting outwardly from the outer wall through thefirst end of the housing. In some example assemblies, the compressed gasaccumulator tank section is positioned surrounding the air flow outlettube.

In certain of the examples depicted, the outlet tube has a first regionwhich is generally cylindrical, with a tip interior of the filtercartridge that has an outwardly directed bell or flared end, tofacilitate air flow.

Certain examples are shown in which the housing is configured foroperation with a center line of the installed cartridge directedgenerally horizontally. However, other examples are shown in which thefilter cartridge is oriented with a center line thereof directedgenerally vertically.

Access to an interior of the air cleaner, for servicing a filtercartridge, can be provided in a variety of ways. In selected examplesshown, access covers are shown latched or otherwise secured in place, tobe selectively moved from a closed orientation, to allow access to aninterior of the air cleaner. The access cover can be mounted in a mannerallowing for a complete removal during servicing, or merely pivoting outof the way.

A variety of air flow inlet arrangements are described. Certain onesinclude louver or vane arrangements, to facilitate distribution of airinto the housing interior in a circular cyclonic or helical pattern,from an axial inlet. In others, tangential flow inlet arrangements areshown, providing for such a flow upon entry into the air cleaner.

Various inlet valve arrangements are described, to operate in a mannerinhibiting ejection of dust through the inlet, during pulse jetoperation. Flexible flap valve arrangements, using either single ormultiple flaps, are shown and described. In addition a spring loadedvalve arrangement is shown.

For use with flap valve arrangements, a flap support arrangement isshown.

A variety of nozzle arrangements for introduction of a pulse jet ofcompressed gas (air) into the cartridge are described. An exampleinvolving a cylindrical tube having a plurality of side outletarrangements wherein each outlet arrangement includes an inwardlydirected projection, to provide an air scoop for directing a portion ofa jet extending down the nozzle outwardly to the side, is shown. In thisexample shown, each inner projection is associated with an adjacentupstream outer projection, to further facilitate the distribution flowof a pulse.

In another example nozzle arrangement, a conical flow distributor ispositioned spaced from an outlet end of a distributor conduit, to causean outward 360° expansion of the pulse, as it exits the pulse jetarrangement. In an example depicted, an internal vertex or conical angleof the conical flow distributor is within the range of 30°-65°,inclusive.

In described arrangements, selected features of the air cleaner areimplemented in advantageous ways and combinations. For example,positioning of pulse jet valve arrangement inside of the air tankrelates to a more compact air cleaner, and can be a lower costarrangement. Air cleaner features described can be implemented inrelatively simple manners, without the need for a scavenge air flowsystem. The air cleaner would still have a reasonable life, even if forsome reason in the field, the pulse or cleaning mechanism were to becomeinoperable.

Also described herein is a method of operating the air cleaner assemblygenerally in accord with the descriptions. The described method(although alternatives are possible) comprises steps of: (a) chargingthe compressed gas accumulator tank section with compressed gas; (b)actuating the pulse jet control valve arrangement to direct a pulse ofcompressed gas from a gas accumulator tank section through the pulsedistribution arrangement and into the central interior of theserviceable filter cartridge; (c) waiting a selected period of time;and, (d) after the selected period of time again actuating the pulse jetcontrol valve arrangement to direct a pulse of compressed gas from thegas accumulator tank section through the pulse distribution arrangementand into the central interior of the serviceable filter cartridge.

It is noted that not all of the specific features and techniquescharacterized herein, need to be implemented against this application,for some advantage to be obtained.

In an alternate characterization of the techniques described herein, anair cleaner assembly is provided to comprise a housing including anouter wall defining an air flow inlet, an air flow outlet and aninterior including a cartridge receiving section. The housing outer wallincludes a side wall and the housing is openable for service access toan internally received serviceable filter cartridge. It is noted that insome examples, the housing further includes compressed gas accumulatorsection.

A serviceable filter cartridge is positioned in the filter cartridgereceiving section of the housing. The filter cartridge is removable fromthe air cleaner housing and comprises a filter media surrounding anopen, central, interior. The media can comprise pleated media, and insome instances can form part of a media pack that includes inner andouter liners.

Pulse jet distribution arrangements configured to direct a pulse ofcompressed gas into the open central interior of the filter cartridge.Also an evacuation valve arrangement is mounted to receive ejected dustfrom the filter cartridge. The evacuation valve arrangement includes arigid frame arrangement and a flexible valve member arrangement. Therigid frame arrangement defines a dust exit aperture arrangementtherethrough. In some examples a dust exit aperture arrangement cancomprise an exit port of dust from the housing. In other instances, thedust exit aperture would be formed on a rigid frame arrangement thatprojects from the housing, the rigid frame arrangement being mountedover a dust exit port from the housing.

The flexible valve member arrangement comprises a (at least one)flexible valve member positioned over an associate portion of the dustexit aperture arrangement such that when a pulse of compressed gas isdirected into the cartridge, the flexible valve member flexes to an openposition allowing dust ejection through the associated portion of thedust exit aperture arrangement. Further, when the air cleaner assemblyis operated without pulse jet distribution, the flexible member biasesto a closed position over the dust exit aperture arrangement.

The arrangement may include more than one flexible valve member. Thedust exit aperture arrangement may include more than one aperture.

In an example shown, the flexible valve member arrangement includes asingle, circular, flexible valve member operably secured by a(stationary) connector arrangement (that does not move in use) extendingthrough a center region of the circular flexible valve member. In anexample shown with the circular flexible valve member, the dust exitaperture comprises a plurality of apertures, for the example shown eachaperture being circular and the apertures being positioned in a circularpattern around a center. For an example of this depicted, the circularflexible valve member comprises a circular piece of material having adiameter of at least 2.5 inches (63.5 mm), typically at least 3 inches(76.2 mm) and, for a specific example shown, within the range of 3-5inches (76.2-127 mm).

In an alternate application of the principles, a first stage separatorarrangement includes a dust ejection port in the housing and theevacuation valve arrangement is mounted to receive dust passed throughthe dust ejection port. In this example, a rigid frame defines first andsecond wall sections each having a dust exit aperture arrangementtherethrough, and the flexible valve member arrangement typicallycomprises a plurality of flexible valve flaps. In an example shown, thevalve flaps are either rectangular or triangular, depending on whichside of the frame arrangement they are positioned on. The flexible valveflaps depicted, each have a perimeter edge, with a section along whichthat valve flap is secured to the frame arrangement.

The dust exit aperture arrangement in the rigid frame arrangementtypically has a total opening of at least 1 sq. inch (6.5 sq. cm),usually at least 2 sq. inches (12.9 sq. cm), and often at least 4 sq.inches (25.8 sq. cm). In certain examples of the described techniques itis at least 5 sq. inches (32.3 sq. cm), typically at least 8 sq. inches(51.6 sq. cm) and sometimes 9 sq. inches (58 sq. cm) or larger.

Typically the evacuation valve arrangement includes no coiled springbiasing member therein. Rather flexing open and biasing closed reliesupon the nature of the material from which the valve member is selected.

In yet another characterization of the techniques disclosed herein, anair cleaner assembly is provided that comprises a housing including anouter wall defining an air flow inlet, an air flow outlet, and aninterior including a filter cartridge receiving section. The housingouter wall includes a side wall and a housing as an openable or serviceaccess to an internally received serviceable filter cartridge. Theserviceable filter cartridge is positioned in the filter cartridgereceiving section of the housing and is removable therefrom. Thecartridge includes filter media surrounding an open central interior. Apulse jet distribution arrangement is configured to direct a pulsecompressed gas into the open central interior of the filter cartridge.An evacuation valve arrangement is mounted to receive ejected dust fromthe filter cartridge. The evacuation valve arrangement includes a rigidframe arrangement and a valve member arrangement. The rigid framearrangement finds a dust exit aperture arrangement therethrough. Thedust exit aperture arrangement preferably has a total dust exit apertureopen area of at least 4 sq. inches (25.8 sq. cm). In one example thedust exit aperture arrangement can be a dust exit port between aninterior of the housing and the valve member arrangement. In anotherexample, both the rigid frame arrangement and the valve memberarrangement are in an evacuation valve arrangement that is mounted overa dust exit port in the housing.

The valve member arrangement comprises a (at least one) flat valvemember with no openable dust exit aperture therethrough positioned overan associated portion of the dust exit aperture arrangement to operateas a flap valve. In certain applications, the total dust exit apertureopen area is at least 4 sq. inches (25.8 sq. cm), typically at least 5sq. inch (32.3 sq. cm), and in some instances at least 8 sq. inches(51.6 sq. cm). Again, preferably the evacuation valve arrangementincludes no coiled spring biasing member therein. The housing can bepositioned with the center line of the filter cartridge directedvertically or horizontally. The housing can optionally include acompressed gas accumulator tank section therein. The air flow outlettube can be provided with first end section directed to the openinterior of the filter cartridge to a location surrounded by the filtermedia and a second end section thereof projecting outwardly from thehousing. In an example filter cartridge has an axial length X and afirst section of the outlet tube projections to the open centralinterior of the filter cartridge is corresponding to at least 35% of X.The pulse jet distribution arrangement can comprise a conicaldistribution member, in an example shown having a conical vertex anglewithin the range of 30°-65°. The conical distribution member can includean air conduit an aperture therethrough, or can be devoid when an airconduit aperture extending therethrough.

Another characterization of the principles described, an air cleanerassembly is provided which includes a housing a serviceable filtercartridge and a pulse jet distribution arrangement with a conicaldistributor member, and an evacuation valve arrangement oriented toreceive ejected dust from the filter cartridge and to direct receivedejected dust out of the air cleaner housing.

The air cleaner assembly, including the cartridge, is generallyconstructed to be able to withstand substantial pulses of a pulse jetcleaning operation. Often the air cleaner housing is assembled frommetal, with welds to provide secure joints. An example preferred clamparrangement is a metal band with a bolt, to secure an access cover ontothe housing, again to withstand pressures of pulse jet operation. Otheradvantageous features, for pulse jet operation, are understandable fromthe description and a review of the figures.

What is claimed is:
 1. An air cleaner assembly comprising: (a) a housingincluding an outer wall defining an air flow inlet; an air flow outletand an interior; (i) the housing outer wall including a sidewall havinga dust evacuation aperture arrangement therethrough that has an apertureopen area of at least 2 square inches; (ii) the housing having an endopenable for service access to an internally received serviceablecartridge; (iii) the air flow outlet being an axial air flow outlet atan end of the housing opposite the end openable for service access; (b)a serviceable filter cartridge operably positioned in the interior ofthe housing; (i) the filter cartridge being removable from the aircleaner housing; and, (ii) the filter cartridge comprising mediasurrounding an open, central, interior; (iii) the filter cartridge beingpositioned with an annulus between the cartridge and the housingsidewall; (c) a pulse jet distribution arrangement configured foroperation during pulse jet operation to direct a pulse of compressed gasinto the open, central, interior of the filter cartridge; (i) the pulsejet distribution arrangement including a flow tube directed into thehousing through the air flow outlet; (d) an evacuation arrangementconfigured to provide for ejection of dust from the annulus during pulsejet operation; and, (e) a flexible valve member positioned to flex opento provide dust evacuation flow from the air cleaner assembly, duringpulse jet operation.
 2. An air cleaner assembly according to claim 1wherein: (a) the aperture open area, of the dust evacuation aperturearrangement, is at least 4 square inches.
 3. An air cleaner assemblyaccording to claim 1 wherein: (a) the aperture open area, of the dustevacuation aperture arrangement, is at least 8 square inches.
 4. An aircleaner assembly according to claim 1 wherein: (a) the aperture openarea, of the dust evacuation aperture arrangement, is at least 9 squareinches.
 5. An air cleaner assembly according to claim 1 including: (a)an inlet valve arrangement positioned to bias between a first openinflow position; and, a second closed position; (i) when in the firstopen inflow position, the inlet valve arrangement allowing inlet flowthrough the air flow inlet into the housing; and, (ii) when in thesecond closed position, the inlet valve arrangement being positioned toinhibit pulse flow out of the air flow inlet.
 6. An air cleaner assemblyaccording to claim 5 wherein: (a) the inlet valve arrangement comprisesa single flexible valve member mounted inside the housing in a positionpermitting flex of the single flexible valve member between a secondposition over the air flow inlet; and, a first position away from theair flow inlet.
 7. An air cleaner assembly according to claim 6 wherein:(a) the sidewall has an arcuate section; and, (b) the dust evacuationaperture is through the arcuate section of the sidewall.
 8. An aircleaner assembly according to claim 1 wherein: (a) the sidewall has anarcuate section; and, (b) the dust evacuation aperture is through thearcuate section of the sidewall.
 9. An air cleaner assembly comprising:(a) a housing including an outer wall defining an air flow inlet; an airflow outlet and an interior; (i) the housing outer wall including asidewall having a dust evacuation aperture arrangement therethrough;(ii) the housing having an end openable for service access to aninternally received serviceable cartridge; (iii) the air flow outletbeing an axial air flow outlet at an end of the housing opposite the endopenable for service access; (b) a serviceable filter cartridge operablypositioned in the interior of the housing; (i) the filter cartridgebeing removable from the air cleaner housing; and, (ii) the filtercartridge comprising media surrounding an open, central, interior; (iii)the filter cartridge being positioned to provide an annulus between thecartridge and the housing sidewall; (c) a pulse jet distributionarrangement configured for operation during pulse jet operation todirect a pulse of compressed gas into the open, central, interior of thefilter cartridge; (i) the pulse jet distribution arrangement including aflow tube directed into the housing through the air flow outlet; (d) anevacuation arrangement; and, (e) an inlet valve arrangement positionedto bias between a first open inflow position; and, a second closedposition; (i) when in the first open inflow position, the inlet valvearrangement allowing inlet flow through the air flow inlet into thehousing; and, (ii) when in the second closed position, the inlet valvearrangement being positioned to inhibit pulse flow out the air flowinlet.
 10. An air cleaner assembly according to claim 9 wherein: (a) theinlet valve arrangement comprises a single flexible valve member mountedinside the housing in a position permitting flex of the single flexiblevalve member between a second position over the air flow inlet; and, afirst position away from the air flow inlet.
 11. An air cleaner assemblyaccording to claim 9 wherein: (a) the outer wall includes an arcuatesection; and, (b) the air flow inlet is through the arcuate section ofthe outer wall.
 12. An air cleaner assembly according to claim 11wherein: (a) the dust evacuation aperture arrangement has an apertureopen area of at least 4 square inches.
 13. An air cleaner assemblyaccording to claim 9 wherein: (a) the dust evacuation aperturearrangement has an aperture open area of at least 8 square inches. 14.An air cleaner assembly comprising: (a) a housing including an outerwall defining an air flow inlet, an air flow outlet and an interior; (i)the housing outer wall including a sidewall; (ii) the housing having anend openable for service access to an internally received serviceablecartridge; (iii) the air flow outlet being an axial air flow outlet atan end of the housing opposite the end openable for service access; (iv)the air flow inlet being a tangential air flow inlet; (b) a serviceablefilter cartridge operably positioned in the interior of the housing; (i)the filter cartridge being removable from the air cleaner housing; and,(ii) the filter cartridge comprising media surrounding an open, central,interior; (c) a pulse jet distribution arrangement configured to directa pulse of compressed gas into the open, central, interior of the filtercartridge; (i) the pulse jet distribution arrangement including a flowtube directed into the housing through the air flow outlet; (d) anevacuation valve arrangement including: a dust exit aperturearrangement; and, a valve member arrangement; (i) the dust exit aperturearrangement having a total dust exit aperture open area of at least 8sq. inch.; (ii) the valve member arrangement comprising a flat valvemember, with no openable dust exit aperture therethrough, positionedover an associated portion of the dust exit aperture such that: (A) whena pulse of compressed gas is directed by the pulse jet distributionarrangement into the cartridge, the valve member biases to an openposition allowing dust ejection through the dust exit aperturearrangement; and, (B) when the air cleaner assembly is operated withoutpulse jet distribution, the valve member biases to a closed position.15. An air cleaner assembly according to claim 14 wherein: (a) the dustexit aperture arrangement has a total dust exit aperture open area of atleast 9 square inch.
 16. An air cleaner assembly according to claim 14wherein: (a) the evacuation valve arrangement includes no coiled springbiasing member therein.
 17. An air cleaner assembly according to claim14 wherein: (a) the pulse jet distribution arrangement includes a flowtube extending from a location below the axial air flow outlet into theaxial air flow outlet and including a bend turning the flow tube intocoaxial alignment with a central axis of the axial air flow outlet andthe serviceable filter cartridge.
 18. An air cleaner assembly accordingto claim 17 including: (a) a distribution member: positioned on an endof the flow tube within the housing interior; and, configured todistribute a pulse jet of air into the media of the filter cartridge.19. An air cleaner assembly comprising: (a) a housing including an outerwall defining: an air flow inlet; an air flow outlet and an interior;(i) the housing outer wall including a sidewall having a dust evacuationaperture arrangement therethrough that has an aperture open area of atleast 8 square inches; and, (ii) the housing having an end openable forservice access to an internally received serviceable cartridge; (iii)the air flow outlet being an axial air flow outlet at an end of thehousing opposite the end openable for service access; (b) a serviceablefilter cartridge operably positioned in the interior of the housing; (i)the filter cartridge being cylindrical and comprising pleated media; (c)a pulse jet distribution arrangement configured for operation duringpulse jet operation to direct a pulse of compressed gas into the open,central, interior of the filter cartridge; (i) the pulse jetdistribution arrangement including a flow tube directed into the housingthrough the air flow outlet; and, (d) an evacuation arrangementconfigured to provide for ejection of dust from the annulus during pulsejet operation; and, (e) a flexible valve member positioned to flex opento provide dust evacuation flow, from the air cleaner assembly duringpulse jet operation.
 20. A method of operating an air cleaner assembly;the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing an air cleanerassembly including an accumulator tank; and, a housing having a sidewalland a filter cartridge receiving section; the housing being openable forservice access to an internally received serviceable filter cartridge; aserviceable filter cartridge positioned in the filter cartridgereceiving section of the housing; a first stage separator arrangementincluding a dust ejection port in the housing; and a pulse jetarrangement including a pulse jet control valve arrangement and a pulsedistribution arrangement; (i) the dust ejection port comprising anaperture through the sidewall of the housing having an open area of atleast 4 sq. inches; (b) charging the compressed gas accumulator tankwith compressed gas; (c) actuating the pulse jet control valvearrangement to direct a pulse of compressed gas from the gas accumulatortank through the pulse distribution arrangement and into the centralinterior of the serviceable filter cartridge; (d) waiting a selectedperiod of time; and (e) after the selected period of time againactuating the pulse jet control valve arrangement to direct a pulse ofcompressed gas from the gas accumulator tank through the pulsedistribution arrangement and into the central interior of theserviceable filter cartridge; (1) before the step of again actuating thepulse jet control valve arrangement, a step of recharging the compressedgas accumulator tank with compressed gas being conducted.
 21. An aircleaner assembly comprising: (a) a housing including an outer walldefining: an air flow inlet; an air flow outlet and an interior; (i) thehousing having an end openable for service access to an internallyreceived serviceable cartridge; (b) a serviceable filter cartridgeoperably positioned in the interior of the housing; (i) the filtercartridge being removable from the air cleaner housing; and, (ii) thefilter cartridge comprising media surrounding an open, central,interior; (iii) the filter cartridge being positioned to provide anannulus between the cartridge and the housing sidewall; (c) a pulse jetdistribution arrangement configured for pulse jet operation to direct apulse of compressed gas into the open, central, interior of the filtercartridge; (i) the pulse jet distribution arrangement including a flowtube directed into the housing through the air flow outlet; and, (d) anevacuation arrangement configured to provide for ejection of dust fromthe annulus during pulse jet operation; and, (e) a valve memberarrangement positioned over an aperture arrangement having an apertureopen area of at least 5 square inches and positioned to open and; allowdust exit from the air cleaner assembly during pulse jet operation. 22.An air cleaner assembly according to claim 21 wherein: (a) the apertureopen area, of the aperture arrangement, is at least 8 square inches. 23.An air cleaner assembly comprising: (a) a housing including an outerwall defining an air flow inlet; an air flow outlet and an interior; (i)the housing outer wall including a sidewall having a dust evacuationaperture arrangement therethrough that has an aperture open area of atleast 2 square inches; (ii) the housing having an end openable forservice access to an internally received serviceable cartridge; (iii)the air flow outlet being an axial air flow outlet at an end of thehousing opposite the end openable for service access; (b) a serviceablefilter cartridge operably positioned in the interior of the housing; (i)the filter cartridge being removable from the air cleaner housing; and,(ii) the filter cartridge comprising media surrounding an open, central,interior; (iii) the filter cartridge being positioned to define anannulus between the cartridge and the housing sidewall; (c) a pulse jetdistribution arrangement configured for operation during pulse jetoperation to direct a pulse of compressed gas into the open, central,interior of the filter cartridge; (i) the pulse jet distributionarrangement including a flow tube directed into the housing; (d) anevacuation arrangement configured to provide for ejection of dust fromthe annulus during pulse jet operation; (e) the sidewall having anarcuate section; (f) a dust evacuation aperture through the arcuatesection of the sidewall having an aperture open area of at least 2square inches; (g) a valve member positioned to open, during pulse jetoperation, to allow dust to exit the air cleaner assembly.
 24. An aircleaner assembly according to claim 23 wherein: (a) the aperture openarea is at least 4 square inches.
 25. An air cleaner assembly accordingto claim 23 wherein: (a) the aperture open area is at least 8 squareinches.
 26. An air cleaner assembly according to claim 23 wherein: (a)the aperture open area is at least 9 square inches.